PROBLEM SOLVING

STRATEGIES OR
HUERISTICS
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Learning Outcomes:
1. Define what a problem is.
2. Enumerate and discuss the families of the problem.
3. Apply the different problem-solving strategies or
heuristics.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 What is a problem?

What is the difference

between
problem and exercise?
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Problem
• Is a condition that challenges the to find a
resolution, and for which the route to the answer is not
learner
instantly known.
• A question is a problem if the process of solution is not
directly known but requires the student to apply imagination
and prior knowledge in new and unfamiliar circumstances.
• To have a problem means to find actions appropriate to
attain clearly conceived but not immediately attainable
solutions.
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Exercise
• If the answer or even the process of solving the
problem is evident, it is no longer a problem but an
exercise.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Families of Problems
1. Recreational Problems- This is also known as brain teasers; these
problems usually complex to little formal of mathematics, but instead
rely on the creative use of basic strategic principles. They are excellent
to work on because no specialized knowledge is needed, and any time
spent in thinking about a recreation problem will help us later with
more mathematically complex issues.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Families of Problems
Examples:
1. Who makes it but has no need for it? Who buys it but has
no use for it? Who uses it but can neither see nor feel it?
What is it? Answer: Coffin

2. What has head and tail but no Answer: Coin

body?
3. What has an eye but cannot Answer: Needle
see?
MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
Math 11n-Mathematics in the Modern World
 Families of Problems
2. Contest problems- They are usually encountered during
formal exams with limit. Often requiring specialized tools
and, or ingenuity to solve.

Examples: quiz bee, term exams, and

quizzes

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Families of Problems
3. Open-ended problems. These are mathematical equations
that are sometimes vaguely worded and possibly have many
solutions.

Example: Arrange all 12 numbers from 1- 12 in the box below

without being close to the numbers that follow or precede
them.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 4 7
6 9 1 3
2 12 5 11
10 8
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Common Types of Problems
1. Arrangement Problems
Examples:

Word Puzzle

RWAET-
WATER
KEROJ- JOKER
Image retrieved from https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jigsaw -
puzzle/id495583717

Jigsaw Puzzle
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Common Types of Problems
2. Transformation Problems
Examples:

Image retrieved from https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jigsaw -

puzzle/id495583717 Image retrieved from https://www.stemlittleexplorers.com/en/make- and-solve-tower-of-
hanoi/

Maze Puzzle Tower of Hanoi

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Common Types of Problems
3. Structure Problems- These problems are with words or
symbols, e.g. series problems in math, requires sequence/
transformation. These require recognition, mentaland
cognitive processes.

Example:
2x+3=5, find the value of x.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Common Types of Problems
4. Insight Problems-These problems are seemed impossible to
figure out, but then an alternative suddenly arise, and the
problem is solved. These problems may have different
solutions.
Example:
The product of two whole numbers is 96, and their sum less
is
than 30. What are the possibilities for the two numbers?
Answer: 4 and 24, 6 and 16, 8 and 12
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Problem Solving Strategies or Heuristics
• A problem-solving strategy is a plan of action used to
find a solution. Different strategies have different
action plans associated with them

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 1. Finding a Pattern
• It is a strategy in which the students look for patterns in the
data to solve the problem.
1. What is the next shape?

2. Mike wants to know the next two numbers of the

following sequence: 4.00, 4.25, 4.50, 4.75, 5.00, 5.25, ____,5.50
5.75____.

3. What is the next number? 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ____.36

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 2. Logical Reasoning
• It is also known as “If and then” approach, a
conditional statement in solving problems, using
rational, systematic series of steps based on sound
mathematical procedures and given statements to
conclude.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 2. Logical Reasoning
Examples:

1. Some of the months have 30 days. Some months have 31

days. How many months have 30 days? 11
2. Jason wears socks of two colors, blue and yellow. He has 20
blue socks and 20 yellow socks in a drawer altogether.
Assuming he has to take out socks in the dark, how many
must he take out to be sure he has a pair of socks.
2
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 3. Guess and Check
• It is a problem-solving approach that students can use
to resolve mathematical problems by predicting the
answer and then inspecting that the guess fits the
conditions of the problem. It requires students to
guess a solution, test its exactness, and improve the
guess using logical reasoning.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 3. Guess and Check
Example:

Which of the numbers 4, 5, or 6 is a solution to

• (n + 3)(n - 2) = 36?

Solution: Substitute each number for “n” in the

equation. Six is the solution since
• (6 + 3)(6 - 2) =
36
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 4. Divide and Conquer
• It is dividing the significant concentrations into small
ones and then rules them. If the problem is relaxed,
answer it directly. If the problem cannot be solved as
is, divide it into smaller parts and solve one by one.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 4. Divide and Conquer
Example:

The furniture in a classroom consists of tables and chairs.

The teacher is making a seating plan. If two students sit
at each table, eight students will be left without a place.
If three students sit at each table, four tables will be left
empty. How many students are there in the room?

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 4. Divide and Conquer
Example:

Solution:
Choose a variable: Let x be the number of tables.
a. Write an expression for the number of students when they sit in 2s:
2x+8
b. Write an expression for the number of students when they sit in 3s:
3(x-4)
c. Write an equation: Expressions in (a) and (b) both give the number of
students.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 4. Divide and Conquer
Example:

Solution:
Thus, 3(x-4)=2x+8 2x+8=2(20)+8=48 students

Solve the equation: 3(x-4)=3(20-4)=3(16)=48

students
3(x-4)=2x+8 3x-12=2x+8
3x-2x=8+12 Therefore, there are 48
X=20 (number of tables) students in the classroom.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 5. Working Backward
• This strategy entails starting with the results and
reversing the steps needed to get those results, to
figure out the answer to the problem. This strategy is
tremendously useful in dealing with a condition or a
sequence of events.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 5. Working Backward
Example:

Erick walked from Palo to Tolosa. It took 1 hour and 25

mins to walk from Palo to Tanauan. Then it took 25
mins
to walk from Tanauan to Tolosa. He arrived at Tolosa at
2:45 pm. At what time did he leave Palo?

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 5. Working Backward
Example:
Solution:

What do you need to find?

You need to find the specific time when Erick had left from Palo.

How can you solve the problem?

You can work backward from the time Erick reached VSU Tolosa. Subtract
the time it took to walk from Tanauan to VSU Tolosa. Then subtract the
time it took to walk from Palo to Tanauan.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 5. Working Backward
Example:
Solution:
Start at 2:45. This is the time Erick reached Tolosa.

Subtract 25 minutes. This is the time it took to get from Tanauan to

Tolosa. So, the time is 2:20

Subtract 1 hour 25 minutes. This is the time it took to get from Palo to
Tanauan.

Therefore, Erick left Palo at 12:55PM.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 6. Organizing Data

• Constructing an organized list, table, chart, or graph

helps students establish their intelligence about a
problem. It is also an essential step in investigating
any set of data.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Ways of Organizing Data
1. By drawing a picture or diagram.

Example:
Look at the star pattern. One star has five pattern
pieces. If your pattern has three stars, how many
pieces will it have in all?

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Ways of Organizing Data
Solution:
1 star- = 5 pattern pieces

3 star-

= 15 pattern pieces

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Ways of Organizing Data
2. Making a chart, table, list, or graph

Example:
Tomorrow is the first day of school, and Sharmae is choosing
her outfit to wear. She has black and green slacks; 3 blouses
(red, flowers, plain) and two sweaters (blue and cream). How
many different outfits can she make consisting of one pair of
slacks, one blouse and one sweater?

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Ways of Organizing Data
Solution:
Make a list.
Slacks: (B-black, G-green)
Blouses: (R-red, F-flowers, P-plain)
Sweaters: (B-blue, C-cream)

BRB GRB BRC GRC

BFB GFB BFC GFC
BPB GPB BPC GPC
Therefore, Sharmae can have 12 different outfits.
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 7. Act It Out
• Making yourselves the character in the problem

Example:
Three adventurers and three supports wish to cross a river.
There is a boat that can carry up to three people and either
adventurers or supports can operate the boat. However, it is
never permissible for supports to outnumber the adventurers
either in a boat or on the shore. How are the adventurers and
supports going to get to the other side?
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 7. Act It Out
• Making yourselves the character in the problem

Example:
Three adventurers and three supports wish to cross a river.
There is a boat that can carry up to three people and either
adventurers or supports can operate the boat. However, it is
never permissible for supports to outnumber the adventurers
either in a boat or on the shore. How are the adventurers and
supports going to get to the other side?
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 POLYA’S PROBLEM
SOLVING
STRATEGY
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Four basic principles of Problem Solving
Polya identifies four basic principles of problem Solving.
The four steps are:
1. Understanding the Problem
2. Devising a plan
3. Carrying out the plan
4. Looking back

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Understand the Problem:
• Comprehend all the words.
• What is asked for us to show?
• What is the data? Is there enough data to help us arrive at
the solution?
• What is the condition?
• Can we restate the problem into our own arguments?
• What image or diagram can we think that will help us
understand the problem?
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Devise a Plan
• Discover the connection between the data and the unknown.
• Have we gotten it before?
• Have we realized the same problem in a somewhat different form?
• Do we know an associated problem?
• Do we know a proposition that could be valuable?
• Look at the unidentified

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Carry out the Plan
• This step is frequently informal than devising a plan. In
general, all you need is attention and persistence, given that
you have the necessary skills. Persist with the strategy that
you have selected. If it remains not to work, reject it, and
choose another. Work carefully by checking each step. Can
we see evidence that the step is right? Can we demonstrate
that it is truthful?

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Look back
• Examine the solution obtained.
• Can we check the outcome?
• Can we check the dispute?
• Can we originate from the solution inversely?
• Can we see it at a glimpse?
• Can we use the product, or the technique for some other problem?

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Example 1
• In three bowling games, Alma scored 138, 141, and
144. What score will she need in a fourth game to
have an average of 145 for all four games?

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Example 1
1. Understand the problem. What should be the fourth
score?
Given data:
138- score in the first game.
141- score in the second game
144- score in the third game.
145- average of all the four
games
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Example 1
2. Devise a plan.
Formula for finding the average:

= 1 + 2 + 3 …

Let 4 be the fourth score

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Example 1
3. Carry out the plan.
Solve for 4

= 1 + 2 + 3 + 4

4 = − 1+ 2+ 3
4 = 145 4 − 138 + 141 + 144
4 = 580 − 423
4 = 157

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Example 1
4. Look back
Compute if the average is 145 given that the final score is 157.

= 1+ 2+ 3+ 4
145 = 138 + 141 + 144 + 157
4
145 = 1880
4
145 = 145
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World
 Your Turn
1. Jay has many animals on his farm. He has 72
chickens, which make up 60% of his total animals, and
the rest of his animals are sheep. How many legs in
total do his animals have?
2. Twice the difference of a number and 1 is 4 more
than that number. Find the number.

Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World

 Thank you for Listening!
Prepared by: Roy I. Branzuela MMWORLD: Mathematics in the Modern World