problem solving strategies kaitlynn hoehne. click each picture to explore each of the problem...
TRANSCRIPT
Problem Solving Strategies
Kaitlynn Hoehne
Click each picture to explore each of the problem solving strategies
Draw a diagram Guess and check Solve an easier related problem
Make a systematic list Identifying sub-problems Creating a physical representation
Eliminate possibilities Analyze the units Visualize spatial relationships
Use matrix logic Draw Venn diagrams Organize info in more ways
Look for a pattern Work backwards Convert to algebra
Draw a Diagram
0Do not hesitate to draw0You don’t have to be an artist to draw a useful diagram0 If you can visualize it, draw a diagram!
Click to explore
other strategies
Make a systematic list
0Start with a messy list/lists you are willing to give up0Be sure you thoroughly understand system0Monitor your system, being especially careful at
logical break points0 If the system doesn’t seem to be working don’t be
afraid to revise it or start over
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other strategies
Eliminate possibilities
0Generate possibilities0Eliminate possibilities by finding contradictions0List the remaining possibilities0Check them against the evidence. There may be more
than one solution0Think about possibilities you might have missed
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other strategies
Use matrix logic
0Mark traits from clues0Combine clues, perhaps using adjunct lists0Eliminate possibilities and act on eliminated
possibilities0Substitute0Cross-correlate0For other approaches or problems: study the
introduction, and test assumptions Click to explore
other strategies
Look for a pattern
0Write down the sequence, and extend it if you can0Make a chart0Calculate differences0Try other operations as needed0Describe the pattern with symbols
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other strategies
Guess and check
0Start a guess-and-check chart0Be ready to start over0Build from smaller to bigger numbers0Bracket to close in on an answer0Be careful to rate guesses correctly0Avoid arithmetic mistakes
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other strategies
Identifying sub-problems
0Figure out what you need to know0Break problem up into small, doable sub-problems0Solve sub-problems0Use sub-problems to answer original problem
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other strategies
Analyze the units
0 Identify all the units in the problem and answer0Make manipulatives for the given information and
reciprocals0Use one-n-oes for the conversion of units0Be flexible in organizing the manipulatives and one-n-
oes so that the unwanted units will cancel
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other strategies
Solve an easier related problem
0Use a number instead of a variable0Try smaller or easier numbers0Change, fix, or get rid of some conditions0Look for a pattern in easier examples0Find a process in an easier example
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other strategies
Creating a physical representation
0Use manipulatives0Act it out0Allows you to “touch” the problem
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other strategies
Work backwards
0Work from the end to the beginning0Draw diagrams as needed0Perhaps act it out0Use algebra or other tools to get from one step to the
previous one0Check from the beginning to the end
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other strategies
Draw Venn diagrams
0Draw overlapping loops for intersecting sets0Fill regions from the inside out0Subtract carefully0After regions are filled, see what number answers the
question0Check the calculations
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other strategies
Convert to algebra
0Analyze the problem to see if it can be solved algebraically
0Create an equation or inequality based on the problem
0Solve the equation0Check the solution
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other strategies
Click to stop exploring
Organize info in more ways
0 Imagine special cases as needed0Draw an array or tree diagram0Carefully examine the branches of the tree0Think critically about your solution
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other strategies
Visualize spatial relationships
0Use a graph or a scale drawing0Measure carefully0Apply other strategies, such as unit analysis0 Interpret the results
Click to explore
other strategies
Work Cited
0 This presentation and information brought to you by Cathy Banks course “Problem Solving in Secondary Education”