Lesson 5.

Problem and Problem-Solving

• Gain an understanding of the key concepts of problem-solving and problem-solving.

• Differentiate routine problems from non-routine problems.
• Discuss the problem-solving framework
• Use the problem-solving framework in solving word problems.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

❑ In 1945 George Polya published the book How To Solve It

which quickly became his most prized publication. It sold
over one million copies and has been translated into 17
languages. In this book, he identifies four basic principles
(4 steps) of problem-solving.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques
Step 1: Understand the Problem.
The key task is to learn the necessary underlying mathematical concepts and
principles, terminologies, and notations. Certain conditions must also be cleared,
and relationships of the concepts must be established. Some questions such as:
• Do you understand all the words used in stating the problem?
• What information are you given and what is being asked to find?
• Can you restate the problem in your own words?
• Can you think of a picture or diagram that might help you understand the
problem?
• Is there enough information to enable you to find a solution?
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Step 2: Devise a plan. There are a variety of strategies for solving mathematical problems
called heuristic methods.
1. Using formulas or mathematical functions or models
2. Looking for patterns
3. Solving a simpler problem
4. Working backward
5. Using analogies or logical reasoning
6. Drawing or acting out the situations
7. Guess and check
8. Making a list or tables
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Step 3: Carry out the plan. Sometimes the plan may not be workable or feasible to solve
the problem; hence, there is a need to use another plan. Moreover, a problem may have
more than one solution.
What is the solution to the problem?

Step 4: Look back. Once the potential solution is attained, checking is

necessary to determine if it is reasonable or whether the conditions are satisfied. If in case
the plausible solution is not attained.
Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques
Example 1: Corey wants to fence in a rectangular region to be used as a dog
run. The length of the rectangle is to be 4 times the width. If the perimeter of
the rectangle is 180 feet, what are the dimensions of the fence?
Solution:
Step 1: Understand the problem.
✔ What is being asked?
• Dimensions of the fence: the Length = ? and the Width = ?
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 1: Corey wants to fence in a rectangular region to be used as a dog run. The
length of the rectangle is to be 4 times the width. If the perimeter of the rectangle is 180
feet, what are the dimensions of the fence?
Solution:
Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques
Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques
Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 2: Edgar needed to cut a piece of wood into

two smaller segments. The shorter piece was 1 yard
longer than half the longer piece. If the length of the
entire piece of wood was 7 yards, what is the length
of each piece?
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 3: A ladder 13 m long is placed on the

ground in such a way that it touches the top of a
vertical wall 12 m high. Find the distance of the foot
of the ladder from the bottom of the wall.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 3: Carmilla’s birthday is fast

approaching. To surprise her in her incredibly
special day, Cecilion plans to bake a cake. If
2
Cecilion wants to have a cake’s area of 30 cm ,
what should be the diameter of the said
birthday cake?
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 4: Twice the difference of a number and 1 is

4 more than that number. Find the number.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 5: Find 45% of 125.

 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 6: A math class has 30 students. Approximately 70% passed their last math test.
How many students passed the last math test?
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 7: In a blueprint of a rectangular room, the length is 1 inch more than 3

times the width. Find the dimensions if the perimeter is to be 26 inches.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 8: Find the measures of the angles in the diagram.

 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 9: Mr. Jones has a total of 25 chickens and cows on his farm. How many of each
does he have if all together there are 76 feet?
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 10: One number is 3 less than another number.

If the sum of the two numbers is 177, find each number.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 11: I purchased a new TV at a local electronics store for $541.25, which included
tax. If the tax rate is 8.25%, find the price of the TV before they add the tax.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 12: The sum of 3 consecutive integers is 258. Find the integers.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 13: Six more than seven times a number is thirty-four. Find the number.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 14: Four times the sum of twice a number and six is thirty-two. Find the number.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 15: A cell phone company charges $40 per month plus a $35 activation fee.
Find the total cost for 10 months of service.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 16: You bought a magazine for $3 and some candy bars for $2 each. You spent a
total of $19. How many candy bars did you buy?
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 17: A number is divided into two parts, such that one part is 10 more than the
other. If the two parts are in the ratio 5 : 3, find the number and the two parts.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 18: The cost of two tables and three chairs is $705. If the table costs $40 more
than the chair, find the cost of the table and the chair.
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 19: …
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 20: …
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 21: …
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 22: …
 Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques

Example 23: …