PROBLEM SET on POLYA’S FOUR-STEP METHOD IN PROBLEM SOLVING

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Solve the following problems using Polya’s Four-step method, employing any of the different strategies
presented. Copy the problem and present a complete, organized solution. Include diagrams, tables,
explanations (or bullet points) and the like in your solution if the strategy calls for it. Summarize your
answers with a conclusion.

Write your answers on a short coupon bond, following the format for assignments. Place a maximum of
two (2) problems per page. You can use recycled paper for the problem set.

You are allowed to work on this problem set individually or in groups of at most 5 members. While on
quarantine, groups with internet access are encouraged to work together via online means. NO GOING
OUT TO MEET AND SOLVE THE PROBLEMS AS A GROUP! You may also choose to assign problems to
each member and collate solutions when it is time to submit the requirement.

The hardcopy of this problem set is tentatively due on April 20 (MWF class) or April 21 (TTh class),
assuming that classes will resume on April 15. It will be included in the quizzes portion of the class
standing. If possible (but not a requirement), you can already submit a scanned copy or photo of the
pages to our Google classroom.

PROBLEMS
1. Alice, Ben, and Carl collect stamps. They exchange stamps among themselves according to the
following scheme. Alice gives Ben as many stamps as Ben has and Carl as many stamps as Carl
has. After that, Ben gives Alice and Carl as many stamps as each of them has, and then Carl gives
Alice and Ben as many stamps as each has. If each finally has 64 stamps, how many stamps does
Alice have at the start?

2. How many squares of ALL sizes are in an 8 x 8 checkerboard?

3. In order to encourage his son in the study of Algebra, a father promised the son PhP 8.00 for
every problem solved correctly and to fine him PhP 5.00 for each incorrect solution. After 26
problems, neither owed any amount to the other. How many problems did the boy solve
correctly?

4. In a basketball league consisting of 12 teams, each team plays each of the other teams exactly
twice. How many league games will be played?

5. If a pup is worth a pooch and a mutt, and a pup and a pooch are worth one bird dog, and two
bird dogs are worth three mutts, how many pooches is a pup worth?

6. The sum of two numbers is 12, and the product of the same two numbers is 4. Find the sum of
the reciprocals of the two numbers.

7. An egg vendor broke all the eggs that he was delivering to a local store. He could not remember
how many eggs there were in all. However, he did remember that when he tried to pack them
into packages of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 he had one left over each time. When he packed them into
 packages of 7, he had none left over. What is the smallest number of eggs he could have had in
shipment?

8. Twenty-four points are placed around a circle. A line segment is drawn between each pair of
points. How many line segments are drawn?

9. Consider the map below. Richard wishes to walk along the streets from point A to point B. How
many direct routes (no backtracking) can Tyler take?

10. Use the same map below to answer the following questions:
a. How many direct routes are there from A to B if Richard passes by Starbucks?
b. How many direct routes are there from A to B if he wants to stop at Subway for a
sandwich?
c. How many direct routes are there from A to B if he wants to stop at Starbucks and at
Subway?