Routine and Non-Routine Problems

Using the Appropriate Solving Problem Strategies

Group 5
Busia, Alvin
Lenogon, John Joshua R.
Tarrayo, Colleen
Routine Problem
- Routine problem solving involve using at least one
of the four arithmetic operations and/or ratio to
solve problems that are practical in nature.

-stresses the use of sets of known or prescribed

procedures (algorithms) to solve problems. The
strength of this approach is that it is easily assessed
by paper-pencil tests.
Strategies in Solving Routine Problems
• Four basic operations (addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division)
• Formulas (e.g. A= L x W, sin=opposite/hypotenuse)
• Arithmetic
• Algebraic Identities
Example #1
Sofia had 300 dimes, she gave some to her friend. Now
she has 175 dimes. How many did she give to her friend?
Example #2
Non-routine Problem
- A non-routine problem solving is any
complex problem that requires some degree
of creativity or originality to solve.

- Typically do not have an immediately

apparent strategy for solving them. Often
times, these problems can be solved in
multiple ways.
Strategies in Solving Non-routine
Problems
The most famous non-routine problem solving
strategies are…(Herr and Johnson, 2002; Leng, 2008)
• act it out
• look for pattern
• make a systematic list
• work backwards
• guess and check
• make a table
Strategies in Solving Non-routine
Problems
Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) is required in
solving Non-routine problem. It is a concept of
education reform based on learning taxonomies (such
as Bloom’s taxonomy)

Example HOTS questions:

• What do you think could have happened next?
• Do you know of another instance where…?
• From the information given, develop a set of
instruction about…?
Steps to Non-routine Problem Solving
• Understand
• Plan
• Execute
• Review
Two Types of Non-Routine Problem
Solving
Static-Nonroutine problems have a fixed, known
goal and fixed, known elements that are used to
resolve the problem.

Active-Nonroutine problems may have a fixed goal

with changing elements, a changing goal or
alternative goals with fixed elements, or changing
or alternative goals with changing elements
Example to Non-routine Problem
Solving:
• There are 45 questions in an exam. For every correct

answer 5 marks awarded and for every wrong answer 3

marks are deducted. Melissa scored 185 marks. How many

correct answers did she give?

• Solving a rubik’s cube

• Solving a Jigsaw Puzzle

Differences Between Routine and Non-
routine Problems;
Routine Questions
- Do not require students to use HOTS.
- Use clear procedures.
Non-routine Questions
- Require solution that are more than simply making
decisions and choosing mathematical operations.
- Require a suitable amount of time to solve.
- Encourage group discussion in finding the right
solution.