POLYA'S FOUR STEPS OF PROBLEM SOLVING

 
 
 
 

Step 1: 

Take time to read the question or problem to understand what is asked. 
Ask yourself these Questions: 
  • Do I understand all the words? 
  • What information am I given? 
  • What am I asked to find? 
  • Can I state the problem in my own words? 
  • Am I given enough information? 
  • Am I given too much information? 
  • Have I solved a similar problem?

 
 
 
 
 
 
Step 2: 
Organize the information you need. Decide whether you need an exact or approximate answer. 
Plan a strategy. Some possible ways are: 

 
  • Draw a diagram 
  • Look for a pattern 
  • Make a table 
  • Use a formula 
  • Guess and check 
  • Solve a simpler problem

    •  
     
     
     
     
    Step 3: 
    Estimate your answer to the problem. 
    Carry out the plan/ strategy to solve the problem. 
    Write down your answer 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Step 4: 

  • Check your answer. 
  • Is it reasonable? 
  • Does it agree with your estimate? 
  • Look back to the way you solved the problem. 
    • Knowing the answer could you have done it 
    in a different way? 

     
     

    (Adapted from MATHPOWER Seven Mc.Graw-Hill
    Ryerson Limited ISBN 0-07-552647-6 Canada)
    PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES 
    Mathematics is not a subject of recall. It needs to be a subject where learners try, fail, try, fail, try and succeed. The number of times success is achieved depends on reasoning, skills and practice. 

    Learners need to practice many different types of problems to get a feel how to tackle a problem. You can think about puzzles, games, estimations, pattern development. The main aim will be to develop strategies to solve problems. 

    Generally a problem can be tackled in four steps according to Mr George Polya: 
     
     



     Step 1: What is the problem


     

    Step2: Make a plan

    Step 3:Follow your plan

    Step 4: Check your answer


     

     

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