Problem Solving Heuristic

A Problem Solving Heuristic is a Heuristic that can support a Problem Solving Capability.

• See: George Pólya.

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References

2009

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_P%C3%B3lya#First_principle:_Understand_the_problem
  • Do you understand all the words used in stating the problem?
  • What are you asked to find or show?
  • It can you restate the problem in your own words?
  • It can you think of a picture or a diagram that might help you understand the problem?
  • Is there enough information to enable you to find a solution?
  • Do you need to ask a question to get the answer?
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_P%C3%B3lya#Second_principle:_Devise_a_plan
  • Guess and check
  • Make an orderly list
  • Eliminate possibilities
  • Use symmetry
  • Consider special cases
  • Use direct reasoning
  • Solve an equation
  • …
  • Look for a pattern
  • Draw a picture
  • Solve a simpler problem
  • Use a model
  • Work backward
  • Use a formula
  • Be creative
  • Use your head/noggen
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_P%C3%B3lya#Third_principle:_Carry_out_the_plan
  • This step is usually easier than devising the plan. In general (1957), all you need is care and patience, given that you have the necessary skills. Persist with the plan that you have chosen. If it continues not to work discard it and choose another. Don't be misled, this is how mathematics is done, even by professionals.
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_P%C3%B3lya#Fourth_principle:_Review.2Fextend
  • Pólya mentions (1957) that much can be gained by taking the time to reflect and look back at what you have done, what worked and what didn't. Doing this will enable you to predict what strategy to use to solve future problems, if these relate to the original problem.

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