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Problem Solving
Problem Solving
George Polya (1887 – 1985) is best known for his book “How to Solve It” which lays out the strategies in problem – solving which is not
only good for Math but for any other disciplines.
1. Understand the problem – state the problem in your own words; find out what is already known (given information); find out what is
expected to solve the problem
2. Devise a plan – break down the problem into smaller parts; list down available information; list down missing information; produce a
table or chart; look for a pattern; write an equation; and produce an organized list of all possibilities.
3. Carry out the plan – keep an accurate record of attempts and their results; revise the plan if necessary
4. Review the solution – once the solution is found, check it again to see if this is the needed output
Sample problem:
a. There are 480 marbles in a box whose color is either black or white. If there are 46 more black marbles than white, how many black
marbles are there? How many white marbles?
Understand the problem:
What is asked? How many black marbles and white marbles are there?
Given: there are 480 marbles and there 46 black marbles than white
Devise a plan:
What is the operation to be used? Subtract, division and addition
Write the number sentence:
a. (480 – 46 = n) / 2 → white marbles, then divide the difference by 2 then add 46 to quantify black marbles
Carry out the plan:
Solution: 480 – 46 = 434/ 2 = 217 white marbles, 217 + 46 = 263 black marbles
Review the solution:
217 + 263 = 480; therefore, there are 217 white marbles and 263 black marbles
ACTIVITY 1 (6pts):
Problem: A bag of kapeng barako and a mug together cost P310.00 The bag of kapeng barako costs P125 more than the coffee
mug. What is the cost of a bag of kapeng barako and the cost of a mug? Write your answer using AGONSA.
ACTIVITY 2 (6pts):
Devise a plan by proving the given conjecture in mathematical form
Conjecture: Pick a number. Multiply the number by 5, add 15 to the product, divide the sum by 5, and subtract 3.
Asked: How much will it cost if you will purchase 45 pieces of apples?
Given: 30 apples = P450; 45 apples
Operation: division and multiplication
Number Sentence: (P450/30) x 45 = N
Solution: 450/30 = 15; 15 x 45 = P675.00
Answer: 45 pieces of apples cost P675.00
ACTIVITY 3 (6pts):
Solve the given problem using AGONSA method.
Problem: In an education field trip, Grade 3 section A collected a total amount of P40,250. If each person paid P1,150, how many
students will join the field trip?
ACTIVITY 4 (6pts):
Solve the given problem using AGONSA method.
Problem: A student is saving his money in a piggy bank. Every week, he puts P20 in it. How much will she save after 35 weeks?