Week 3 Lecture 3 Notes Flashcards
Q: What is the Problem Solving Process?
A: The problem solving process involves identifying a problem, developing possible solutions, and taking the appropriate course of action. The steps include:
Defining the problem
Generating alternative solutions
Evaluating and selecting an alternative
Implementing and following up the proposed solution.
Q: What is the difference between well-defined and badly defined problems?
A:
Well-defined problems have clear and structured solutions (e.g., Tower of Hanoi).
Badly defined problems are ambiguous, and the solutions are more complex or less straightforward (e.g., extraterrestrial globe transfer).
Q: What is the IDEAL problem-solving model?
A: The IDEAL model is a framework for solving problems:
Identify the problem
Define the context of the problem
Explore possible strategies
Act on the best solution
Look back and reflect on the process.
Q: What is George Polya’s method for problem-solving?
A: Polya’s method involves four steps:
Understand the problem
Devise a plan
Carry out the plan
Look back and evaluate the solution.
Q: How do you apply Polya’s method to solve a problem?
A:
Understand the problem (e.g., determine what data is provided and structure it effectively).
Devise a plan (e.g., break down the problem into smaller steps).
Carry out the plan (e.g., follow the steps and execute the solution).
Look back (e.g., verify the result and evaluate the solution).
Q: What was the example problem used in Polya’s method?
A: The example problem was:
Tom works 4 hours as a cashier ($7/hr), 9 hours as a bagger ($6/hr), and 7 hours as a stocker ($5/hr). Calculate his average hourly wage for the week.
Q: How do you calculate Tom’s average hourly wage using Polya’s method?
A:
Earnings as cashier: 4 hours × $7/hr = $28
Earnings as bagger: 9 hours × $6/hr = $54
Earnings as stocker: 7 hours × $5/hr = $35
Total earnings: $28 + $54 + $35 = $117
Total hours worked: 4 + 9 + 7 = 20 hours
Average wage: $117 ÷ 20 = $5.85 per hour.
