Problem Solving

Problem Solving





Problem Solving









PROBLEM HEURISTICS

TYPES (HINTS)

NECESSARY

PEREQUISITES STRATEGY ELEMENTS

(ABILITY TO)

(STEPS)

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Problem Solving





A problem is a situation, quantitative or

otherwise, that confronts an individual or group

of individuals, that requires resolution, and for

which the individual sees no apparent path to

the solution.









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Types of Problems



1. Research

Prove a hypothesis

e.g. A scientific hypothesis may be that CFCs

(chlorofluorocarbons) are destroying the earth’s

ozone layer.

2. Understanding

e.g. an engineer notices that the chemical plant

can make more product when it rains.





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Types of Problems



3. Trouble shooting

e.g. an electronic amplifier has a loud “hum”

when it is in a room with fluorescent lights.

4. Math Problems

e.g. find x such that 4x + 5 = 0.









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Types of Problem



5. Money Problems

e.g. how will we get the money to build our new

factory?

6. Social Problems

e.g. how can we improve education?

7. Design Problems

e.g. design a new car.







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Design Problems



Design problems are the epitome of engineering.

They require creativity, teamwork, and board

knowledge.



Poorly posed design problem:

Design a new car.







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Design Problem



Well Posed Design Problem:



Design a new car that can:

1. Go from 0 - 60 mph in 6 seconds

2. Gets 50 miles/gal

3. Costs less than $10,000 to the consumer

4. Does not exceed government pollution

standards

5. Appeals to aesthetic tastes



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Problem Hierarchy



1. Identify Problem

e.g. we need to build a new car since we are

losing market share

2. Synthesis (integrating parts to for a whole)

e.g. we can combine an aerodynamic body with

a fuel efficient engine to make a new car with

very high fuel efficiency





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Problem Heirarchy

3. Analysis

identify relationships,

distinguish fact from opinion,

detect logic information,

make conclusions from evidence,

select relevant information,

TRANSLATE REAL-WORLD PROBLEM

INTO MATHEMATICAL MODEL

e.g. compare the drag of different body types and

determine if engine can fit under the hood

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Problem Heirarchy





4. Application (identify the pertinent

information)

e.g. What force is required to allow the car to

go 60 mph knowing the car has a 30ft2

projected area and a 0.35 drag coefficient

based on wind tunnel data?



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Problem Hierarchy



5. Comprehension (use the data and explicit

theory to solve the problem)



F = 1/2 Cd  A V2



F=force

Cd=drag coef.

=air density

A=protected frontal area

V=speed Back to

Today’s ppt

Problem Solving



Problem solving is a process, an activity

whereby a best value is determined for an

unknown, subject to a specific set of conditions.

It is a means by which an individual uses

previously acquired knowledge, skills and

understanding to satisfy the demands of an

unfamiliar situation.







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What skills must be used when

solving a problem?



 Knowledge

 Motivation

 Experience

 Communication Skills

 Learning Skills

 Group Skills





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