Polya's 4 Steps of Problem Solving

1. Understanding the problem. Determine what information is known and what is being asked. (Possibly, what information is unnecessary and/or what information is missing or not known.)
2. Devising a Plan. Think of a strategy that can be used to solve the problem.
3. Carrying Out the Plan. Attempt to solve the problem with the chosen strategy. If the strategy does not work, try another strategy.
4. Looking Back. Check to see if the answer 'makes sense'. One good way to look back is to use another strategy to see if the same answer results. Also, see if your solution can be simplified.

Strategies for Problem Solving

• Draw a diagram
• Make a table
• Look for a Pattern
• Examine a simpler case
• Break the problem into smaller/simplier pieces
• Identify a subgoal
• Examine a related problem
• Work backwards
• Write an equation
• Use indirect reasoning
• Guess and check