ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful to God, the almighty for making all good things possible. First of all, we would like to express our gratitude to our advisor, Mr. Parmjit Singh, for all his encouragement and inspiration to do this project. We also appreciate and deep acknowledge his willingness to motivate us. This project simply would not have been possible without his help. Our special thanks also go to our friends for their support and guidance as to complete the project. Last but now at least, we would like to extend our sincere and heartiest thanks to beloved parents and family, who had never failed to give us their encouragement and moral support, thus enabling us to complete this dissertation with pride and satisfaction.

Thank you.

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Introduction
Problem solving in mathematical is a problem that we dont know straight away how to do it. Problem solving is a mathematical process. Polyas stages are more flexible to solve the mathematical problem. His four stages including, understanding the problem, making a plan, carrying out the plan and looking back. However, in trying to find the solution, we must always change our point of view and our way at looking the problem. When we are frequently got the solution we will know the concept of the problem is likely. From that, we will move to the complicated question by using the experience. Our way of thinking is different when we made some progress. So, we need to follow four step problems in solving process.

Four Phases of Problem Solving

The first phase: Understanding the question Understanding can be defined as interpretation of statement clearly. It is the process after read the question to solve the problem. Unnecessary to say that we do not has to understand the problem that we want to solve. If we really understand the problem we will see a solution. Its really important to understand the problem. In this process, when we are reading the question we have to find the key pieces of information. From the key it will help us easy to understand in somehow need to be put together to obtain the answer. Different people have a different thinking. Some people can understand in only one reading but some people have to read the problem several times to understand. Either fast or not, understanding is valuable to solve the problem and to make we are in the right track. The Process of Understanding 1. Firstly we have to understand what the question state. 2. Then, we should able to point out the principal part of the problem, UNKNOWNS, DATA, and CONDITIONS, and for proof type problem HYPOTHESIS and CONCLUSION.

3. We also have to focus the problem, repeatedly and try in various sides. For example, if there is a figure and point on it unknown and a data. If it necessary to give notation we have to consider the objects for which the sign have to be chosen.

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Stage to Understanding

1. Getting acquainted

Its making the problem become more clearly. Thats why we should start from the beginning of the problem. Focusing the problem with visualize as much as we can, familiarize our self with it and impress on mind. So, when we are focus and give attention fully on the problem its automatically stimulate our memory besides ready recollection of relevant points.

2. Working for Better Understanding

In this stage we must start again, when the statement is clear in mind without worrying about losing sight. By separate the principal parts of problem we should also test in much way. Principals Parts are hypothesis and the conclusion (problem to prove), the data and the conditions (problem to find).

Below is simple process of understanding the problem:-

a) Can you state the problem in your own word? b) What are you trying to find or do? c) What are the unknowns? d) What information you obtain from the problem? e) What information, if any, is missing or not needed?

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The second phase: Devising a plan

Devising a plan can be defined as a finding strategy. Its used to suggest method of strategy to solve the problem. After we know the problem, plan is an outline how to solve the problem in other to obtain the unknown. It may be take along time to conceiving a plan but the idea of a plan is actually bright idea. We need to play in the area of problem to produce the idea. In this area we need the question and answer that we are going to discuss tends to make such idea.

Ideas come from our mind. Actually it is not easy to have a good idea. Its need to acquired knowledge and experience to produce the idea. These two items is related to obtain the idea and point of to get the strategy. Besides that, it also practice our process thinking, thus we automatically have idea although its the simple idea. Good idea based on acquired knowledge and experience. These two items necessary in order solve problem.

Then we will use the idea and combined all the recollecting idea. Furthermore, if the idea is not work, we must look for some appropriate point of contact and explore various aspect of our problem in many ways such as vary to transform and to modify the problem. In devising a plan, the strategies that can be applied were discussed further in Problem Solving Strategies (Heuristics).

The third phase: carry out the plan/strategies. In this phase, the strategy/strategies that we have decided to use in step 2 were applied and any necessary actions and computations will be performed to find the correct solutions. Before this process, its important to collect as much data as you can for consideration to choose the strategy. The fourth phase: Look back and learn from the experience. There are 3 steps in this phase. Those are: 1. Evaluating implementation of the solution.

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The implementation of the solution must be given prior attention. Any reckless will lead to failure. If the solution is not implemented, so the evaluating of effectiveness is not likely to be valid.

2. Evaluating the effectiveness of the solution. It is important to evaluate the outcome of the strategy/strategies implemented. Whether the solutions are efficient and fulfill the criteria of the problem.

3. Modifying the solution in ways suggested by the evaluation processes. If the solution not efficient, modification must be done based on the evaluation process. After we get the answers for our problem, look back to the problem and see if weve really answered the problem. It is often to overlook something. If you missed something, check your plan and try again.

Example: Find the radius of the circle. Solution 12cm 6cm r Problem 12cm 6cm

r-6

r-12

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1. Clarify the problem. Understand the question properly and seek as much data as you can to assist you to make the solution plan 2. Make a plan. Think what possible operation involved in this problem. More plans can give advantages. . Explorations in various sides make us decide the way to bring the solution using combination idea and experience. 3. Carry out the plan. In this problem, we can carry out plan of solution. Theorem pythagoras. r2 = (r-6)2 + (r-12)2 = r2-24r+144+r2-2r+36 r2 = 2r2 -36r+180 0 = r2 -36r+180 R =30 4. Look back and learn from the experience. From the experience of solving this problem, we can answer a similar question using the same knowledge.

Problem Solving Strategies (Heuristics)

Strategy is the step to make the problem become little easier. According to Polyas four (4) phases of problem solving, the heuristics is the strategies that he would have us to choose in his second stage and applied it in third stage. Plya mentions (1957) that there are many reasonable ways to solve problems. The skill at choosing an appropriate strategy is best learned by solving many problems. By using the right strategy, we can find the solution of a problem. There are some ideas we can try to solve a problem but this idea wont necessary will be the final answer. Different question will need different strategies. From many strategies we can choose to practice the way to solve the problem. From our research, we have found ten common problem solving strategies a) b) c) d) e) Look for a pattern Examine a related problem Examine a simpler case Make a table or list Make a diagram
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f) g) h) i) j)

Write an equation Use guess and check Work backward Identify a sub goal Use reasoning

Strategy (a): Look for a Pattern When using the look for a pattern strategy, usually we lists several specific instances of a problem. After make a list, we look to see if a pattern emerges that suggest a solution to entire problem. Sample question: A man was very overweight and his doctor told him to lose 36 kg. If he loses 11 kg the first week, 9 kg the second week, and 7 kg the third week, and he continues losing at this rate, how long will it take him to lose 36 kg? Solution: Firstly, we must understand the question. Get the key information from the question given. How much does the man need to lose? (36 kg) How much did he lose the first week? (11 kg) How much did he lose the second week? (9 kg) How much did he lose the third week? (7 kg)

Devising a Plan To make easier, we use the table to see the pattern of the information had given. Week 1 2 3 4 5 Total Weight Lost (kg) 11 11 + 9 = 20 20 + 7 = 27

Based on question, we can identify how much less he loses on; The second week than the first weekend? and The third week than the second? Finding the Answer We can see the pattern that the number of kilograms lost decreases by 2 each week.
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Week 1 2 3 4 5 6

Total Weight Lost (kg) 11 11 + 9 = 20 20 + 7 = 27 27 + 5 = 32 32 + 3 = 35 35 + 1 = 36

As a result, it will take the man 6 weeks to lose 36 kg.

Strategy (b) ; Examine a Related Problem Sample Question; Find the sum of the even natural numbers less than or equal to 100. Devise a strategy for finding that sum and generalize the result. Solution: Understand the problem; The problem is to find the sum of the even natural numbers 2+4+6+8++10 Devise a Plan Identify that the sum can be separated into two simpler parts related to Gausss original problem that can help on devise a plan. Consider the following; 2+4+6+8++100=21+22+23+24++250 = 2(1+2+3+4++50) Therefore, use Gausss method to find the sum of the first 50 natural numbers and then double that. Carrying Out the Plan Carry out the plan as follows; 2+4+6+8++100=2(1+2+3+4++50) =2 [50(50+1)/2] = 2550 The answer = 2550 Look Back Another method that consider to this problem is to realize that there are 25 sums of 102, as shown in figure below.
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2+4+6+8++94+96+98+100 Therefore, the sum is 25 x 102 is equal 2550 Strategy (c): Examine a Simpler Case Occasionally a problem is too complex for us to solve in one step. When this situation occurs, it is often useful to simplify the problem by dividing it into cases and solving each one separately. By using this strategy we can solve the problem very well and less careless mistakes while calculate the answer. Sample question: How many triangles are there in this figure?

Solution: Understand the Question Form question given, there is diagram of triangle. Question asks to counts the total triangle in this diagram. Devising a Plan After understand the question ask what must we do, we must devise a plan. The way to solve the question is hard to do if we not make it as a simpler case strategy. Finding the Answer Base on strategy of examine a simpler case, we can divide the large triangle into its smaller components. This step will make us easier to count how many triangles we have in every part of triangle are drawed at diagram in this question. We can divide it into the component as below:

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Component 1

Component 2

Component 3

Component 4

Component 5

From table, we can count total triangle included in diagram, 5 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 12 In conclusion, the total of 12 triangles can be found within the given triangle.

Strategy (d): Draw a table or list A table can be used to summarize data or to help us see a pattern. It also helps us to consider all possible cases in a given problem. Some question have a natural order implicit in its construction . Hence, by making a table or a list, it can arrange the data in a right order, and more systematically. Question: Sixteen players enter a tennis tournament. If there can be no draws, how many games must be played if each player can be eliminated by one loss. Solution: Read and understand the question, and get the key information from the question given. Find what the question asking for. There are 16 players This is a win lose tournament, there can be no draw. Player who lost in this tournament is eliminated.
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How many games are there?

Devising a Plan Make a table that includes all the information. Round Players remaining 1 16 2 3 4 Total

Games

Finding the Answer 2 players are involved in a game. If the initial players were 16, the first round would have 8 games. (16 2 = 8) For the next round, only half of the players remain because the players who lose in the game were dismissed. The number of games will be the number of players divided by 2. The game stops when the number of players was less than 2. Table below is the result. Round 1 2 3 4 Total Players remaining 16 16/2 = 8 8/2 = 4 4/2 = 2 Games 8 4 2 1 15

So, there were 15 games held during the tournament. Look back and check From the first round to the final round, the number of games decreases into haft of the number of games before it. This is because the lose were dismissed the match is win-lose game. 8+4+2+1= 15 games.

Strategy (e) : Make a diagram Drawing a picture or a diagram is often used in geometry question. It can help student to understand the question better and provides the insight necessary to solve a problem. But, when drawing a picture, it not necessary to draw a specific one. It is enough if the drawing contain all the information given from the question and understandable. For example, if the question only saying about heads or legs, theres
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no need to draw the eyes or hairs of a person because it is not include in the question. Below, is an example of problem, that use drawing a picture as a strategy. Question: In a crowded horse race competition, Amy counted 12 heads and 36 feet on the race field. How many jockeys and horses are on the field? Solution: When we read and understand the question, we can obtain information from the question given, and determine what the question asking for. How many heads are there? (12 heads) How many feet are there? (36 feet) How many jockeys and horses are on the field? Devising a Plan Draw out 12 round shape that represent head and then give each head 2 feet.

Then 36 (12x2) = 12 feet left over. After evaluating this picture, we can estimate the next step. Distribute the 12 feet left, 2 at a time to the heads

Finding the Answer From the picture, head with 2 feet are jockey while head with 4 feet is a horse. As a result, there are 6 jockeys and 6 horses on the field. Look back and check Human only have 2 legs while horse have 4 legs and one head each. From the picture drawn, it is reasonable to say that there is 6 jockeys and 6 horses on the field, when Amy have counted 12 heads and 36 feet total. 6+6 = 12 head (6 x2) + (6 x4) = 36 feet
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Strategy (f) : Write an equation. Write an equation strategy is part of the algebraic thinking skill. This strategies used when variable or symbolic notation involve. Variable can bring more than one meaning in mathematic. For example, in a group of children, their height varies with their ages. Height can be represent as h, while age can be represent as a, where both h and a can have a different value. It also may stand for a missing element or an unknown, as in x + 2 = 5. The value of the variable can be determined by solving the equation. Question: In a post office of a small town, three postmen deliver all the letters. Akmal delivers three times as many letters as Basri, and Firdaus delivers 13 more than Akmal. If the three postmen delivered a total of 496 letters, how many letters does each deliver? Solution: Understanding the problem The problem asks for the number of letters that each postman delivers. The information given is that compares the number of letters that each postman delivers (Akmal delivers three times as many letters as Basri, and Firdaus delivers 13 more than Akmal) as well as the total numbers of letters delivered in the town (496 letters).

Devising a plan Let a, b, and c is the number of letters delivered by Akmal, Bakri and Firdaus, respectively. The given information were translated into equations as follows: Akmal delivers three times as many letters as Bakri : a = 3b Firdaus delivers 13 more letters than Akmal : c = a + 13 Total delivery is 496 : a + b + c =496 To reduce the number of variable, substitute 3b for a in the second and third equations: c = a + 13 becomes c = 3b +13 a + b + c = 496 becomes 3b + b + c = 496 Next, make an equation in one variable, b, by substituting 3b + 13 for c in the equation 3b + b + c = 496, solve for b, and then find a and c. Carrying out the plan 3b + b + 3b + 13 = 496 7b + 13 = 496 7b = 483 b = 69
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Thus a = 3b = (3 x 69) = 207. Also, c = a + 13 = 207 + 13 = 220. So, Akmal delivers 207 letters, Bakri delivers 69 letterrs, and Firdaus delivers 220 letters. Looking back To check the answers, take the original information from the question, start by using a = 207, b = 69, and c = 220. The information in the first sentence, Akmal delivers three times as many letters as Bakri checks, Since 207 = 3 x 69. The second sentence, Firdaus delivers 13 more letters than Akmal is true because 220 = 207 + 13 The information on the total delivery checks, since 207 + 69 + 220 = 496.

Strategy (g) : Guess, check and improve In the strategy guess and check, first, guess what a logic solution of a problem using questioning and reasoning. Then check to see whether our assumption is correct or not. If not, modified the step as much as possible, about the solution based of the guess before making the next estimation. This strategy can be perceived as a form of trial and error, where the information about the error helps us choose what trial to make next. Question: Marsella spent RM 27, not including tax on a cat supplies. She bought two of one item and one other item. What did she buy?

Cats supplies sale! Brush RM8 Collar RM6 Bowls RM7 Medium bed RM15 Toys Rm12

Solution:
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Firstly we must understand the question. The information that we obtain is ; She bought 3 items. Two of the items were the same The prices are in the sign She paid RM27 for all three. The question asking for what three items did she buy? Devise a Plan and Answer the Question. Use the strategy of guess and check Step 1; Think a reasonable solution 2 bed=RM30 If 1 bed=RM15 with 2 smaller items Step 2; Play with the information given RM8+RM8+RM15=RM31 Thats too high, but very close Step 3; Use the step 1 method but If keep the bed, we need to come change the item down RM4 total or RM2 for each item. Then, try the collars Step 4; Use previous tries to continue RM6+RM6+RM15=RM27 until get the answer The answer; She bought two collars and one medium bed Look Back and Check The sum is RM27 and there are 2 of collars and 1 of medium beds. Strategy (h): Work Backward The working backwards strategies is starting with the end results and reversing the steps we need to get those results, in order to figure out the answer. Working backward can be applied to the question if the goal of the question is singular and there are a variety of alternative routes to take. It is also can be used if the end of results are given or known in the problem and the question is asked for the initial conditions. Question: Nadia, Suraya, and Farid uncovered a strongbox containing some gold nuggets. They buried half of the nuggets in the Grand Canyon and divided the remaining nuggets evenly among themselves. Suraya received 2,000 gold nuggets. How many nuggets were in the strongbox? Solution; Understanding the Problem From the question, we can think that; Can we know how many gold nuggets were in the strongbox?
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Can we know how many nuggets were left after they buried half in the Grand Canyon? After they divided the remaining nuggets evenly among themselves?

Planning a Solution When make a plan of the strategy, we can elaborate the data given to make extra data such as; If Suraya received 2,000 nuggets, how many did Farid and Nadia receive? 2,000 each Together, how many nuggets did the they have? (6,000) The money the they had is how much of what was in the strongbox? Half, because half of the money was buried in the Grand Canyon.) Finding the Answer We use Work Backwards strategy to solve it base on extra data we found. Start with the number of nuggets Suraya received and work backwards as;

Start with 2,000 nuggets.

Multiply by 3, the number of people 3 x 2,005 = 6,000.

Multiply by 2 for the half they buried 2 x 6,000 = 12,000. So, there were 12,000 gold nuggets in the strongbox.

Strategy (i) : Identify a Subgoal When we devise a plan for solving some problems, it may become apparent that the problem could be solved if it solution to a somewhat easier or more familiar related

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problem could be found. In such case, finding the solution to the easier problem may become a subgoal of the primary goal of solving the original problem. Question: Arrange the numbers 1 through 9 into a square subdivided into nine smaller squares like the one shown in figure above so that the sum of every row, column, and main diagonal is the same.

Solution: Understand the Problem Put each of the nine numbers 1 until 9 in the small squares, a different number in each square, A different number in each square, The sums of the numbers in each row, in each column, and in each of the two major diagonals are the same. Devise a Plan The sub goal is to find the fixed sum in each column, row and diagonal. The sum of the nine numbers, 1+2+3++9, equals 3 times the sum in one row. This is because the fixed sum is obtained by dividing 1+2+3++9 by 3. By using the Gausss process, we have (1+2+3++9) 3, or 45 3=15, so the sum in each row, column and diagonal must be 15. To decide what numbers could occupy the various squares, the number in the center space will appear in four sums, each adding to 15 Number that appear in the corner will appear in three sum of 15.our news sub goal is to write 15 in as many ways as possible as a sum of three different numbers of range 1 to 9. Carrying Out the Plan The sum of 15 can be written systematically as follows; 9+5+1 9+4+2 8+6+1 8+5+2 8+4+3 7+6+2 7+5+3
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6+5+4 Table below summarize the pattern: Number Number of sums Containing the number 1 2 2 3 3 2 4 3 5 4 6 3 7 2 8 3 9 2

Base on the table; The no 5 is appearing in four sums. So, number 5 must be located at the center of the square. Number 2, 4, 6 and 8 is appearing three times each. So, they must be in the corners. 2 5 4 (a) 8 6 2 9 4 7 5 3 (b) 6 1 8

After evaluate the pattern figure (a) we can complete the square with other numbers that we have not used yet and form the figure (b). Look Back The number from the set {1,2,3,4..9} were used to fill the 3x3 square. Each number only used once, and the sums of each rows, columns and diagonals are 15. According to the calculation, 5 was the only number that can be appear in the middle. But there are other ways to arrange the number but still have the sums of 15 sums of each rows, columns and diagonals.

Strategy (i) : Use Reasoning To prove a statement a true statement, is to make it impossible for the statement to be false. We can apply this method by showing that if the statement were false, something impossible would follow. This method is useful when it is difficult to start a direct argument and when negating the given statement, given statement gives us something actual with which to work.

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Conclusion
Mathematical problems are important to real mathematics. There are also important to the young for understanding real life. In other words, studying Mathematical Problems Solving is essential to the student for applying the real life. Base on Polyas Principle, he said that the solutions to solve the problem solving need to be simple and natural. Mathematics can be very difficult, but things are made much easier if basic knowledge is applied to solve it. Our research has discovered four phases in problem solving. This phase is used to in the mathematical process. First step is understand the question. These steps are request to identify the data given and make the notation. We also draw the figure if it is necessary to do it. The second step is devising a plan to finding the connection between data and the unknown. We may compel to consider auxiliary problems if an immediate connection cannot be found. In the same time, we are also devise the types of strategies should we choose. The third step is carrying out the plan. This step covered to plan the solution. We must be sure the strategy we use is right and suitable to use. The last step of phases is look back. To ensure weather we make the right solution or not, this step has discovered check and examination of solution. We were also discussed about the strategies that used in problems solving. There are a relationship between the applying phases and strategies while solve the solution. The
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strategies are the significant when applying the second and third step of the phases. When devising a plan, we should also consider the strategies must be chosen. Then, these strategies relate when doing the third phases of the problem solving. There are ten types of the strategies based on George Polyas Principle. However, there is another list for the types of strategy such as lateral thinking, means-end-analysis, and analogy and so on. These types are not discussed with us because there are not so familiar and used once a time to solve the problems. A problem maybe use more than one types of strategy to solve it. It is also allowed to use more than one of the strategies because sometimes a problem given is complicated and should use several strategies. By doing more practicing on the problems solving question, we can solve the problems easily in short time. The skill of applying strategies will improve by doing more exercises. So, the phases of problem solving which has been discussed are very important to make the easier solve the mathematical problem.

References
http://d.scribd.com/docs/1kqig5jcsifnpfbcll3y.pdf http://www.intranet.cps.k12.il.us/Assessments/Ideas_and_Rubrics/Rubric_Bank/MathRu brics.pdf http://www.greatsource.com/GreatSource/pdf/Problem_Solving_Research.pdf http://www.google.com.my/search? hl=en&q=problem+solving+approach+to+mathematic+for+elementary+school+filety pe:pdf&start=10&sa=N http://d.scribd.com/docs/e0u97wmf566ahrbm5y.pdf http://www.gluud.net/images/Polya.pdf http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/lieber/courses/materials/Polya_Father_of_ProblemSolving. pdf http://d.scribd.com/docs/1urzgzoce52ib8w3gcql.pdf

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http://www.activemath.org/pubs/HowToTeachItPolyaScenariosActiveMath.pdf R. Billstein, S. Libeskind, J.W.Lott, A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers,2007,Pearson Education Inc, Ninth Edition, Boston , pg 1 pg 18. R. Davidson, E. Levetov, Overcoming Math Anxiety, 2000, Addison Wesley Longman Inc, Second Edition, US. How To Solve It. A New Aspect Of Mathematical Method.G.Polya.With A New Foreword By John.H.Conway

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