Concepts of Engineering and
Technology
Introduction to
Problem Solving
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Problem Solving Defined
 Problem solving is a mental process and is
part of the larger problem process that includes
problem finding and problem solving.
 Problem solving is considered the most complex
of all intellectual functions, and has been defined as a
higher-order cognitive process that requires the
modulation and control of more routine or fundamental
skills.
 Problem solving occurs when an organism or
an artificial intelligence system needs to move
from a given state to a desired goal state.
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Problem Solving Process
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Step 1: Understanding the Problem
Step 2: Devising a Plan
Step 3: Carrying out the Plan
Step 4: Looking Back
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Understanding the Problem
1. Can you state the problem in your own
words?
2. What are you trying to find or do?
3. What are the unknowns?
4. What information do you obtain from the
problem?
5. What information, if any, is missing or not
needed?
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Devising a Plan
1. Look for a pattern.
2. Examine related problems, and determine if the same technique
can be applied.
3. Examine a simpler or special case of the problem to gain insight
into the solution of the original problem.
4. Make a table.
5. Make a diagram.
6. Write an equation.
7. Use guess and check.
8. Work backward.
9. Identify a sub goal.
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Carrying out the Plan
1. Implement the strategy or strategies in
Step 2, and perform any necessary
actions or computations.
2. Check each step of the plan as you
proceed. This may be intuitive checking or
a formal proof of each step.
3. Keep an accurate record of your work.
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Looking Back
1. Check the results in the original problem.
(In some cases this will require a proof.)
2. Interpret the solution in terms of the
original problem. Does your answer make
sense? Is it reasonable?
3. Determine whether there is another
method of finding the solution.
4. If possible, determine other related or
more general problems for which the
techniques will work.
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Storyboard
 Let’s make your own Pictionary, using abstract thinking.
 From the problem solving Pictionary, label four or more
steps of the problem solving process.
 You may break each of the four steps into sub steps.
 You may use the characters given to trace over them.
 Using the Pictionary below, move the pictures until you
get the idea that solves the problem the way you think
answers the question.
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Have fun making your own
Pictionary
Look at it forward.
Look at it backwards.
Look at it as each is a part of its own.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.