How to solve a math problem?

Step 1: Understand the Problem - (SEE)

• Carefully read the problem.
• Decide what you are trying to do.
• Identify the important data.

Step 2: Devise a plan - (PLAN)

• Gather together all available information.
• Consider some possible actions:
• look for a pattern;
• draw a sketch;
• make an organised list;
• simplify the problem;
• guess and check;
• make a table;
• write a number sentence;
• act out the problem;
• identify a sub-task; and
• check the validity of given information.

Step 3: Carry out the plan - (DO)

• Implement a particular plan of attack.
• Revise and modify the plan as needed.
• Create a new plan if necessary.

Step 4: Check the answer - (CHECK)

• Ensure you have used all the important information.
• Decide whether or not the answer makes sense.
• Check that all of the given conditions of the problem are met by the answer.
• Put your answer in a complete sentence.

Problem Solving with Scientific Methods

6 steps:

1. State the Problem - A problem can't be solved if it isn't understood.
2. Form a Hypothesis - This is a possible solution to the problem formed after gathering information about the problem. The term "research" is properly applied here.
3. Test the Hypothesis - An experiment is performed to determine if the hypothesis solves the problem or not. Experiments are done to gather data. It is very important that good observations and records are made during an experiment.
4. Collect the Data - This is where you record your observations, measurements, or information from experiment.
5. Analyze the Data - Just what does all that data indicate about answering the problem you are solving?
6. Draw Conclusions - After examining the data from the experiment, conclusions can be drawn. In it's simplest form, the conclusion will be "yes" the hypothesis was correct, or "no" the hypothesis was not correct.

If the hypothesis is proven to be incorrect, you must find out what was wrong with it. This might lead to the formation of a hypothesis about the hypothesis!