
Math Problem Solving in Four Steps
- Understand the Problem This is a critical step! It’s hard to solve a problem we don’t even understand. ...
- Devise a Plan What can we use to solve the problem? Some suggestions: ...
- Carry out the Plan Time to start solving. If it doesn’t work, check for mistakes. ...
- Look Back The problem is solved; it matches the answer in the key. Time to move on? ...
What are the six basic step of the problem solving process?
6 Steps to Effective Problem-Solving
- Define the problem
- Determine the root cause (s) of the problem
- Develop potential solutions
- Select a solution
- Implement the solution
- Evaluate the outcome
What are the four steps in problem solving in order?
What is the four step problem solving process for math?
- Define the problem. Differentiate fact from opinion.
- Generate alternative solutions. Postpone evaluating alternatives initially.
- Evaluate and select an alternative. Evaluate alternatives relative to a target standard.
- Implement and follow up on the solution.
How to solve problem in four steps?
These four steps can be summarized as follows:
- Carefully read the problem. In this careful reading, you should especially seek to clearly identify the question that is to be answered. ...
- Choose a strategy to solve the problem. Some of the possible strategies will be discussed in the rest of this article.
- Carry out the problem solving strategy. ...
- Check the solution. ...
How many steps are there in the problem solving process?
What are the 8 steps of problem-solving?
- Define the Problem. What is the problem?
- Clarify the Problem.
- Define the Goals.
- Identify Root Cause of the Problem.
- Develop Action Plan.
- Execute Action Plan.
- Evaluate the Results.
- Continuously Improve.

What are the 4 steps in problem solving?
Polya created his famous four-step process for problem solving, which is used all over to aid people in problem solving:Step 1: Understand the problem.Step 2: Devise a plan (translate).Step 3: Carry out the plan (solve).Step 4: Look back (check and interpret).
What are the 4 steps of the 4 step method?
16.2: The Four Step MethodStep 1: Find the Sample Space.Step 2: Define Events of Interest.Step 3: Determine Outcome Probabilities.Step 4: Compute Event Probabilities.Alternative Interpretation of the Monty Hall Problem.
What is problem-solving in mathematics?
(The term "problem solving" refers to mathematical tasks that have the potential to provide intellectual challenges for enhancing students' mathematical understanding and development.)
What is a 4 step?
0:181:38How to Breakdance | 4 Step | Footwork 101 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep for step in a four percent as composed of four steps you do two hops on the right foot. AndMoreStep for step in a four percent as composed of four steps you do two hops on the right foot. And then two hops.
What is the 4 step method in physics?
0:006:02Problem Solving - How to Use the Four-Step Method - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSense you want to double check it. See if it answers the question it makes sense to. So the easiestMoreSense you want to double check it. See if it answers the question it makes sense to. So the easiest way to do this is let's go ahead and solve a problem using the four step method.
What is step by step method?
A step-by-step procedure used to solve a problem is called Algorithm. An algorithm (pronounced AL-go-rith-um) is a procedure or formula for solving a problem, based on conductiong a sequence of specified actions.
What is 4 step rule derivative?
The following is a four-step process to compute f/(x) by definition. Input: a function f(x) Step 1 Write f(x + h) and f(x). Step 2 Compute f(x + h) - f(x). Combine like terms. If h is a common factor of the terms, factor the expression by removing the common factor h.
What are the four steps to George Polya's How do you solve it?
Polya's 4 Steps:Understand the Problem.Devise a Plan.Carry out the Plan.Revise & Extend (Reflection)
What happens if you solve a different problem than the correct one?
If you solve a different problem than the correct one, you’ll get a solution that you can’t use. The only thing that wastes more time than an unsolved problem is solving the wrong one.
How many questions are asked in a problem solving exercise?
Every problem may be different, but effective problem solving asks the same four questions and follows the same method.
What is the first step in problem solving?
The problem-solving method always starts with identifying the problem or asking “What do you need to know?”. It’s only after you brainstorm this that you can move on to the next step.
Why do education systems fail?
Education systems fail when they don’t consider the problem they’re supposed to solve. Foreign language education in America is one of the best examples. The problem is that students can’t speak the target language. It seems obvious that the solution is to have students spend most of their time speaking.
What is the meaning of "well begun is half done"?
Before you begin to learn something, be sure that you understand the exact nature of the problem. This will make clear what you need to know and what you can discard. When you know the exact problem you’re tasked with solving, you save precious time and energy.
How do you know if you lack knowledge?
The only way to know if you lack knowledge is by gaining some in the first place. All advances and solutions arise from the accumulation and implementation of prior information. You must first consider what it is that you already know in the context of the problem of at hand.
What is the result of insufficient knowledge?
All problems are the result of insufficient knowledge. To solve the problem, you must identify what you need to know. You must understand the cause of the problem. If you get this wrong, you won’t arrive at the correct solution.
Step 2: What do you need to know?
All problems are the result of insufficient knowledge. To solve the problem, you must identify what you need to know. If you get this wrong, you can only be disappointed.
Step 3: What do you already know?
The only way to know if you lack knowledge is by gaining some in the first place. All advances and solutions arise from the accumulation and implementation of prior information. You must first consider what it is that you already know in the context of the problem of at hand.
A recap of the 4 steps of the simple problem solving process
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What is the 4 step problem solving plan?
This problem-solving plan consists of four steps: details, main idea, strategy, and how. As students work through each step, they may use “graphic representations” to organize their ideas, to provide evidence of their mathematical thinking, and to show their strategy for arriving at a solution.
Why use graphic organizers in schools?
Use of a common graphic organizer at all schools would greatly benefit our ever-shifting population of students —not only those whose families move often, but also those affected by boundary changes we continue to experience as we grow. District-wide staff development has focused on acquainting all elementary math teaching staff with “Four-Step Problem Solving,” and outlining expectations for students’ problem-solving knowledge and skills outlined in the TEKS at each grade-level.
Why is it important to extend the math process to four steps?
A second benefit of extending the process from three steps to four is that having students think at these levels will deepen their understanding of mathematics and improve their fluency in using math language. In the short term, students' performance on assessments will improve, and confidence in their mathematical ability will grow. In the long term, this rigor in elementary school mathematics will prepare students for increased rigor in secondary mathematics, beginning particularly in grade 7.
What are some examples of differences between US and Japanese schools?
For example, Japanese students study fewer concepts and work fewer problems than American students do. In Japan , students spend their time in exploring multiple approaches to solving a problem, thereby deepening their understanding of mathematics. Depth of understanding is our goal for students, too, and we believe that the four-step problem-solving plan will help us achieve this goal.
How many steps are there in a 4-step problem solving program?
The number of steps often ranges from four to eight.
How long should a 4 step problem solver take?
Using this approach should reduce the number of problems students are assigned. Completing the “Four-Step Problem Solving” should take only a few minutes. As students become familiar with the graphic organizer, they will be able to increase the pace of their work. Students can save time by writing only the main idea (instead of copying the entire question) and by using words or phrases in describing the “how” (instead of complete sentences).
What is the purpose of mathematics in school?
The student applies mathematics to solve problems connected to everyday experiences and activities in and outside of school.
How many hellos are there in a diagram?
Drawing the diagram of one person saying hello, we see that each person will have to say hello 9 times, thus there will be 10 people each saying hello 9 times. 10 x 9 = 90 hellos said.
What is 48 - 5?
Basically, in mathematical terms, we are saying that 48 - 5 = 43 . If we were to draw out a diagram of the 1 dozen blue cupcakes and 3 dozen red ones, then separate out the 5 that did not get eaten, we would see that we do, indeed, have 43 represented as the eaten cupcakes. Our answer checks out!
How to do Polya's process?
1) Step One of Polya's Process is to understand the problem. We are trying to count how many legs the animals have in total. The animals are chickens (which have 2 legs each) and sheep (which have 4 legs each). 2) Step Two of Polya's Process is to devise a plan. We will work with an equation.
How many cupcakes did Sally make?
So, to start, let's think about a party. Sally was having a party. She invited 20 women and 15 men. She made 1 dozen blue cupcakes and 3 dozen red cupcakes. At the end of the party there were only 5 cupcakes left. How many cupcakes were eaten?
What is the hardest part of word problems?
For many students, the hardest part of word problems is finding out what is even being asked and translating it into an equation - Polya's process helps with these things.
What does it mean to enroll in a course?
Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams.
What is the number eaten in math?
1 x 12 = 12, and 3 x 12 = 36, so what we really have is (12 + 36) - 5 = number eaten.

Four Steps to Success
- There are many possible strategies and techniques you can use to solve math problems. A useful starting point is a four step approach to math problem solving. These four steps can be summarized as follows: 1. Carefully read the problem.In this careful reading, you should especially seek to clearly identify the question that is to be answered. Also,...
Step One - Understanding The Problem
- As you carefully read the problem, trying to clearly understand the meaning of the problem and the question that you must answer, here are some techniques to help. 1. Identify given information -Highlighting or underlining facts that are given helps to visualize what is known or given. 2. Identify information asked for -Highlighting the unknowns in a different color helps to keep the k…
Step Two - Choose The Right Strategy
- It step one has been done well, it should ease the job of choosing among the strategies presented here for approaching the problem solving step. Here are some of the many possible math problem solving strategies. 1. Look for a pattern -This might be part of understanding the problem or it might be the first part of solving the problem. 2. Make an organized list -This is another means o…
Steps Three and Four - Solving The Problem and Checking The Solution
- If the first two steps have been done well, then the last two steps should be easy. If the selected problem solving strategy doesn’t seem to work when you actually try it, go back to the list and try something else. Your check on the solution should show that you have actually answered the question that was asked in the problem, and to the extent possible, you should check on whethe…