Polya’s 4-Step Problem Solving Process

​1. Understand the problem

• Do you understand all the words used in stating the problem?

• What are you asked to find or show?

• Can you restate the problem in your own words?

• Can you think of a picture or diagram that might help you understand the problem?

• Is there enough information to enable you to find a solution?

2. Make a Plan

• Choose an appropriate strategy for solving the problem.

• Skill at choosing strategies improves with practice

Examples

3. Execute the plan

• Requires patience and persistence (sometimes “grit”) •

• Stick to the plan until it stops working, then choose a different plan

  • Don’t give up too soon.

• Check each step of the plan for correctness

4. Evaluate the Result

• Take time to reflect on what you have done

• What worked? • What didn’t work?

• Can you see a better way to solve it?

  • Simpler?

  • More elegant?

• Can you apply the solution to another problem?