- Details
- Created on Tuesday, 10 September 2013 02:58
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 September 2013 02:58
- Written by Amory KC Wong
- Hits: 24948
Math teaches us techniques to keep from getting stuck on problems. Here is a list (not exhaustive) of techniques that you can try:
- Find a pattern. Start simple and work your way to a longer pattern and see if it holds. Loosely, this is called inductive reasoning.
- Draw a diagram. Larger problems make it difficult to keep all the pieces in your head, so write it down and organize it then things may become clear.
- Explain the problem to someone. It doesn't even have to be someone who knows math. The process of explaining it forces your brain to try to organize the problem.
- Sleep on it. Not all problems are solved in a single sitting. Getting a little rest let's your subconscious do some of the work.
- Try solving a simpler version of the problem. If you can't solve a simpler problem, they maybe you have a misconception to work out.
- Reverse engineer the problem. If you know the solution, try doing the reverse operations to get to the start!
- Make some intelligent guesses and test them.
