Ahmad Lutfi bin Adnan Mohd Ridzwan Bin Borhan Afiqah binti Adanan

Dr Roslina binti Radzali

According to Mayer (1983), any definition of problem solving should consist of three ideas. First, the problem is presently in some state. Second, it is desired that the problem be in another state. And third, there is no direct, obvious way to accomplish the change. A mathematical problem should be difficult in order to entice us, yet not completely in accessible, lest it mock at our efforts. It should be to us a guide post on the mazy paths to hidden truths, and ultimately a reminder of our pleasure in the successful solution. (Hilbert, 1900)

In short, problem solving is a source of difficulty that needs to solve. The process required four steps of Polyas model which are understand the problem, devising a plan, carry out the plan and looking back. Other than that, the part to a solution of the problem is also not obvious.

Routine Problem
Routine problem solving stresses the use of sets of known or fix procedures like algorithms to solve problems. One-step, two-step or multiple-step routine problems can be easily assessed with paper and pencil tests typically focusing on the algorithm or algorithms being used

Static

Active

Static non-routine problems have a fixed known goal and fixed known elements which are used to resolve the problem. Solving a jigsaw puzzle is an example of a static nonroutine problem. Given all pieces to a puzzle and a picture of the goal, learners are challenged to arrange the pieces to complete the picture.

Active non-routine problem 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.

Routine Problem Definition Use the of sets of known or prescribed procedures or formula like algorithms to solve problems. No type

Non-routine Problem Use of heuristics which do not guarantee a solution to a problem but provide a more highly probable method for solving problems. Static non-routine and Active non-routine problem

Types

Strength

Easily accessed by paper- Most relevant to human pencil test. problem solving and real life situation. Least able accessed by paperpencil test.

Weakness Least relevant to human problem solving.

He was born as Plya Gyrgy in Budapest, Hungary to originally Jewish parents Anna Deutsch and Jakab Plya who converted to Roman Catholicism in 1886. He was a professor of mathematics from 1914 to 1940 at ETH Zrich in Switzerland. From 1940 to 1953 at Stanford University carrying on as Stanford Professor Emeritus the rest of his life and career.

Understand the problem

Devise a plan

Carry out plan

Look back

Understand the problem

To solve the problem, we must first understand what is being asked. It is very impossible for us to solve the problem if we do not understand what the question need is. Decide the solution or method that can be used to solve the problem. This can include many strategies like guess and check, using diagram, simulations, and construct table.

Devise a plan

Carry out plan

During this phase of Polyas four steps process, the technique or method than we selected from previous phase is implemented or applied

Look back

The final step for Polyas model is to review the solution to the problem. This involve checking the results for correctness and confirming that all conditions of the problem have been addressed.

Question:
In his will, a cynical Grandfather leaves his two grandchildren land. Azam gets a plot measuring 25m by 50m by 75m and Syira gets a plot measuring 15m by 20m by 25m. Who is his favorite grandchild and who gets the most land?

Understand the problem.

From the question, we know that Azams dimension is 25m by 50m by 75m. Meanwhile, Syiras dimension is 15m by 20m by 25m. Then, the question is asking who get the most land and who is the favorite grandchild is.

The grandfathers land

Devising a plan. Draw a picture of a different area of the land by using the dimension given for Azam and Syira. Later, from the diagram that we draw, we just want to know who got the bigger plot.

Carry out the plan:

We need to draw lines from side to side to reach the ends of the line. Azam's dimensions are 25m by 50m by 75m. Using a scale, this can become 2.5cm by 5.0cm by 7.5cm.
7.5cm.

2.5cm
5.0cm

Meanwhile, Syiras dimension is 15m by 20m by 25m. By using the scale, the dimension will become 1.5cm by 2.0cm by 2.5cm. From the drawing of the diagram above we can know who get the most land and who is the grandfather favorite grandchild is?
2.0cm 1.5cm 2.5cm

Looking Back. The drawing shows that the grandfather does not left any land for Azam. For Azams dimension, if we draw a line 7.5cm, the 2.5cm side and the 5.0cm side must be flat along the 7.5cm side in order to reach the two ends. As a result, the drawings explain that Azams land is just a flat triangle with no area. Thus, it shows that Syira gets the most land and Syira is the favorite grandchild.

Question: On the way to visit a friend, Ellina leave her house at 2:45 P.M. and travel 1 3/4 miles to the train, 12 1/2 miles on the train, and 3/4 mile to her friend's house from the train station. If Ellina get there at 4:15 P.M., how many miles per hour did she travel?

Understand the problem. Ellina left at a certain time, arrived at a certain time, and traveled a certain distance. The questions need to find how many miles per hour she traveled.
Devising a plan. Ellina left the house 1:00, traveled 12 miles, and arrived at 4:00. How many miles per hour did she travel? Carry out the plan. We bring out the data from the question. Ellina left the house at 1:00, traveled 12 miles, and arrived at 4:00. How many miles per hour did Ellina travel? Ellina traveled 12 miles. It took 3 hours. To find the miles per hour, we divide 12 by 3 to get 4 miles per hour.

Next, we write down the steps they used to solve the problem. Find the distance traveled. Find the time spent. Divide to find the miles per hour.
we use the actual numbers from the problem and follow the same steps. The distance traveled. 1 3/4 + 12 1/2 + 3/4 = 15 miles The time spent. The time from 2:45 to 4:15 is 1 hour and 30 minutes, or 1 1/2 hours. Divide to get the miles per hour. 15 divided by 1 1/2 = 10 miles per hour

Looking back.
We read the problem again to be sure the question was answered. Yes, we found the miles per hour. Then, we check the math to be sure it is correct. 1 3/4 + 12 1/2 + 3/4 = 15 miles 2:45 to 4:15 is 1 hour and 30 minutes 15 divided by 1 1/2 = 10 miles per hour We determine if we have chosen the best strategy for this problem or if there was a better way to solve it.

Problem translation: The problem solver transforms the statements in the problem into an internal psychological model which represents the problem solver's interpretation and representation of the problem

Problem integration: The different pieces of interpreted information are combined into a coherent structure ready for solution planning
Solution planning: The problem solver formulates a plan in the form of a sequence of steps for solving the problem. Solution execution. The problem-solver carries out the solution plan.

 Preparation: Gathering of information and preliminary attempts at a solution Incubation: Putting the problem aside to work on other activities.
Illumination: Appearance of the key to the solution Verification: Checking the solution to make sure that it is valid.

In the nutshells, the steps to be used to solve mathematics problems, in general, covers four main steps which are described briefly in the Polyas model. There are, interpret the mathematics problem according to individuals own understanding and express the problem in simpler mathematics terms.