1 Problem Solving

Strategies and Principles

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc.

Section 1.1, Slide 1
1.1 Problem Solving
• Understand Polya’s problem-
solving method

• State and apply fundamental

problem-solving strategies

• Apply basic mathematical

principles to problem solving
(continued on next slide)

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc.

Section 1.1, Slide 2
1.1 Problem Solving
• Use the Three-Way Principle to
learn mathematical ideas

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc.

Section 1.1, Slide 3
George Polya’s Problem-Solving
Method
• Step 1: Understand the problem.
• Step 2: Devise a plan.
• Step 3: Carry out your plan.
• Step 4: Check your answer.

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 4
Problem-Solving Strategies

• Example: Each person

in a group of four will
shake hands with all
the others. How many handshakes?

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 5
Problem-Solving Strategies

• Example: Each person

in a group of four will
shake hands with all
the others. How many handshakes?

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 6
Problem-Solving Strategies

• Example: One group of

dance students is taking
swing lessons and
another is taking Latin
dance.

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 7
Problem-Solving Strategies

• Example: Make a table

showing available
iPhone features.

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 8
Problem-Solving Strategies

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 9
Problem-Solving Strategies

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 10
Problem-Solving Strategies

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 11
Some Mathematical Principles

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 12
Some Mathematical Principles

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 13
Some Mathematical Principles

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 14
Some Mathematical Principles

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 15
Some Mathematical Principles

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 16
Some Mathematical Principles

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Section 1.1, Slide 17