SOME IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO SOLVE A MATH PROBLEM

Hi Kids! By the end of this e-tivity, you will be able to

1. Identify the four main steps used to solve math word problems

Average on-line time: 15 min


George Polya, a famous mathematician, designed a method for solving math problems. Let’s take a look:

1. Understanding the Problem
What do I know? What information do I have? What do I have to find out? Can I restate the problem in my owns words?

2. Devising a plan
Have I solved a similar problem? Which strategies can I use: make an orderly list, use direct reasoning, solve an equation, look for a pattern, draw a picture? Do I know other strategy?

3. Carrying out the plan
Let’s work this problem out according to our plan.

4. Looking back
Is the solution a logical one? Did I do all operations properly? What does the result tell me?

Reference
The University of Utah. G. Polya, How to solve it. Retrieved September 23rd, 2009 from http://www.math.utah.edu/~pa/math/polya.html.