What is Problem solving: Definition and 238 Discussions

Problem solving consists of using generic or ad hoc methods in an orderly manner to find solutions to problems. Some of the problem-solving techniques developed and used in philosophy, artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, mathematics, medicine and societies in general are related to mental problem-solving techniques studied in psychology and cognitive sciences.

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  1. A

    Finding the Solution: Solving for [sin(alpha)]^2 in a Complex Equation

    Hi I was wondering if anybody could help solve this equation. I have the answer but i can't seem to work out how my teacher arrived at this, Many thanks Alex Homework Statement alpha A = constant Homework Equations Solve for [sin(alpha)]^2 A^2-...
  2. A

    Sound and kinematic problem solving

    Homework Statement a man dropped a stone into a can that is 120m deep. if the temperature of the air is 20degree celsius. how long would it take for a man to hear the sound when the stone hit the can? Homework Equations d=Vi*t + 1/2*a*t^2 The Attempt at a Solution since i know that...
  3. M

    Newton's Method (problem solving)

    Homework Statement Its not an actual problem, just a question. We're being lectured on Newton's Method, which I understand. But there's a section in the book (and related problems later in the chapter), that ask for you to find (2)^1\6 correct to eight decimal places. It goes on to say that...
  4. S

    How Do You Calculate the Volume of Liquid in a Partially Filled Conical Glass?

    This is a problem that my lecturer gave us in class and it has been bugging me ever since. I have been unsuccesful in finding or calculating a proper solution so I am hoping PF will be able to help... This is the Q: Let H be the height of a conical glass which is filled to a height h. Find...
  5. D

    A couple specific Physics problem solving questions

    I'm in my first ever Physics class and have a few questions concerning skills involving solving Physics problems. I've been noticing that even though I get the right answers, my work getting there is a mess and unorganized. With that said, I have a hunch that won't fly in the upper level...
  6. E

    Is it too late for me to do math problem solving?

    Hello, I am an incoming senior. I've normally been pretty good in classroom mathematics. However, only until recently have I been exposed to "competitive problem solving". I literally have not heard of the AMCs until my junior year, when my friend from another school told me about it. I became...
  7. S

    Looking for Good Problem Solving Books? Any Recommendations?

    Hi. Can anybody recommend a couple of good problem solving books? I'd like to improve my thinking skills and my natural ability, particularly in physics, but I don't mind if the book focusses on maths. Also, what do people think of "The Art and Craft of Problem Solving" by Paul Zeitz? Is it...
  8. E

    Grand jury problem (LOGIC problem solving)

    Hello guys.. I just want to know the answer here. We tried to give our best just to understand this but we failed to do so.. I hope someone will help..^^ This is the problem: Paul, Genelle, and Homer testified before a grand jury. Paul testified that Fisher did not embezzle funds...
  9. J

    How to Calculate Dry Clay and Left-Over Mud for a New Mixture

    1. You have a quantity of drilling mud left over from a previous job. The mud contains 30% clay and 70% water. Your next job needs a mud with 40% clay and 60% water. How much dry clay needs to be mixed with some of the left-over mud to produce nine tons of a new mixture containing 45% clay? How...
  10. A

    Suggest a book for problem solving

    Can anyone suggest books that can help improving problem solving skills. Any book with engineering bent is a plus. Thanks
  11. A

    A Challenge Problem in Techniques Of Problem Solving

    I just need a hint to solve the problem. The method used is illustrated in the example problem as follows: I am supposed to imitate the method used in the example problem to solve the challenge problem in the book as follows Imitate the method used in the last problem to find a formula...
  12. N

    How can algebra and logarithms be used to solve a penguin population problem?

    [I have here a question from one of my many revision sheet in preperation for my exams. The problem I'm having is with this parcticular question.[/SIZE] A 10 year research program is being carried out on two penguin rookery populations in Tasmania. Rookery A had 2000 penguins at the start...
  13. J

    How Long to Double Your Money with Compound Interest?

    A fixed deposit investment attracts interest of 4.3% p.a. compounded annually. How long will $30 000 take to double in value?
  14. P

    What are the dimensions of a parcel with 2322m3 volume and minimal string usage?

    A rectangular parcel with square ends is tied up with string, which passes once around the parcel lengthwise and once crosswise. If the volume of the parcel is 2322m3, find its dimensions if the length of string used to tie it is to be minimised. V = lwh = 2322 Let D be the dimensions...
  15. L

    Problem Solving Question - Polynomial/Exponential Functions

    Homework Statement When the kidneys eliminate a chemical from the blood, they tend to eliminate a certain proportion each time period. For example, the average person eliminates about 13% of the caffeine in his or her body each hour. In doses larger than 20mg, caffeine can act as a mild...
  16. D

    How Do I Solve This Dynamics Mechanics Equation?

    Homework Statement Can someone teach me on how to solve this problem? This is a dynamics mechanics problem. I tried everything I know but I cannot really get the answer. Please help ASAP. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  17. C

    Problem solving equation with negative exponent

    I'm trying to calculate maximum power. Once I computed power as a function of time I took its derivative and set it equal to zero. Now it need to solve for time and I can't seem to get it done. What I have is... -1000e^{-500t}-2000e^{-1000t}=0 My first inclination is to use ln, but ln(0)...
  18. N

    Particle Motion in a Straight Line: Deriving Velocity and Total Distance

    Let s = s(t) be the position function of a particle moving in a straight line. Suppose that the position of the particle is given by the formula s (t) = t^2 e^-t ; t >= 0 where t is measured in seconds and s in meters. (i) Find the velocity of the particle at time t. * should i...
  19. S

    I think my problem solving is absurd.

    Homework Statement Evaluate the definite integral: Homework Equations \int u^n du/dx = u^(n+1)/(n+1) (n not equal to -1) The Attempt at a Solution (-1) muliplied by \int (e^-x +2)^-1 (-e^-x) dx = ? and if I follow the equation above, I got denominator zero, for I broke...
  20. D

    How Many Ways to Form Groups from Boys and Girls in a Classroom?

    Homework Statement There are 15 boys and 19 girls in a room. a) Find the number of different groups that contain exactly four girls and five boys. b) How many groups of 14 have an equal number of boys and girls? c) How many groups of 5 have more boys than girls? Homework Equations...
  21. J

    Statics problem solving reactions

    Hi, can anyone show the correct method of how to solve a problem like this. Got the answers from my book but have no idea how they get them? Thanks James
  22. M

    How Do You Calculate the Ratio of Atomic Volume to Nuclear Volume?

    Q: An average dimension for the radius of an atom is 1.0 x 10^-8 cm, and the average radius of the nucleus is 1.0 x 10-^13 cm. Determine the ratio of atomic volume to nuclear volume. Assume that the atom is spherical. [V=4/3(pi)r^3] I already have the volume for both, but how can I determine...
  23. E

    Recommendations for a book in mathematical problem solving

    Hi everyone. To start off, I've recently taken an interest in mathematics (more specifically, hard problem solving) and I was wondering if anyone can recommend me a good book on problem solving, preferably at the level of a typical American high school math contest (I've tried reading The Art...
  24. S

    How Fast Does a Shadow Lengthen as a Man Walks Away from a Light?

    Homework Statement A light is hung 15ft above a straight horizontal path. If a man 6 ft tall is walking away from the light at the rate of 5ft/sec. How fast is his shadow lengthening? And at what rate is the tip of the man's shadow moving? y = 6? or 15? dx/dt = 6 Homework Equations...
  25. V

    Problem solving websites needed

    Hi all Can anyone give me some websites which are on problem solving. When i mean problem solving, i mean logical sums not you standard maths problems. Also i want it to be a high school difficulty, not a uni type. Any websites are greatly appreciated
  26. J

    How Do You Solve for Q in a Complex Algebra Equation?

    how do i go about solving for q in the equation: (F x r x r)/k = (6.63E-6 -q)(q)
  27. C

    Problem solving highly non-linear pdes in mathematica Can anyone help?

    I keep getting the error, NDSolve`FiniteDifferenceDerivative::aord: The approximation order 0 given for dimension 1 should be a positive machine-sized integer or Pseudospectral. I have a very complex and nonlinear pde to solve in mathematica and I keep getting errors with the code...
  28. M

    Problem Solving: Is My Solution Right?

    do tell me if the way i did this problem is right! q::An object is thrown vertically upward with a velocity of 30m/s.Four seconds later a second object is projected vertically with a velocity of 40 m/s .determine i)time(after first object is thrown)when two objects will meet each other in...
  29. Y

    What is Algorithmic Problem Solving ?

    What is "Algorithmic Problem Solving"? Hi all, I'm trying to get a head start on next semester's difficult classes and am kind of confused about what a certain class entails. I have a Computer Science course that is part of the core for my math major: "CSCI 2310, 2311. Algorithmic...
  30. L

    Converting V to eV: A Problem Solving Guide

    Homework Statement How can i convert V to eV in a problem? I know that 1V=1.6X10^-19 J but I don't see how that can help... Thanks.
  31. N

    Tricki (A 'Wiki' For Problem Solving Techniques)

    I found this whilst browsing Tim Gowers blog. http://www.tricki.org/ Seems to be a project of Gowers, Tao and a couple of others and is just a week or two (?) old. The aim is for the site to act as a Wiki-style database of problem solving techniques/advice/tricks etc - rather than a...
  32. M

    Questions about Problem Solving and Original Ideas

    What's up yall. So let me explain a bit. I'm currently not taking any College classes. But I've been self-studying. I just work on whatever, and when I start a new topic, I'll play with it some. After learning some of the basics, I'll try to figure out some more complex ways to use the idea...
  33. G

    How Can I Enhance My Physics Problem Solving Skills for Competitions Like IPhO?

    Hi, I need to improve Physics Problem Solving Skills. Any book, paper, websites on this? I'm looking for pre to IPhO level. Something like http://www.phys.uAlberta.ca/olympiad/pdf/probsolv.pdf I'm trying to find papers that would be me a edge on solving hard or tricky problems. Plus is...
  34. S

    Problem solving techniques/strategies

    Does anyone have any good strategies for the math portion of the SAT and word problems just in general? I have made weak - average SAT scores on the math primarily because I don't get enough done on the test within the time frame which I think is due to my problem solving skills. I'm actually...
  35. K

    Finding the Constant c for a Limit Problem

    limits problem solving help! Alrighty so i have no idea where to even start... Find the constant c such that Lim x-> 3 x^2+x+c ----------- X^2 - 5x + 6 exists Yeah so so far i got as far as factoring the bottom (x-3)(x-2) And now i have no idea where to go from...
  36. moe darklight

    Good Book Of Math Problems / On Problem Solving

    I'm looking for a good book with problems that require a creative approach, or on problem solving in general. Questions in my textbooks usually cover exactly what the chapter covered, and require little more than plugging numbers. There are maybe 2 or three problems in each chapter that...
  37. B

    Need help with a problem solving question

    Homework Statement Two lines given by the following pair of equations. If the lines are parallel, find the value of k. Y-kx = -5x+9 Y+2x = 4(kx-2) Homework Equations Im not exactly sure what i need to do this. The Attempt at a Solution Like i said above, I'm not sure...
  38. M

    How can I improve my problem solving speed for tests and competitions?

    Does anyone have long-term advice for becoming better at timed problem solving, such as in a test or competition setting? I can dedicate one hour per day 5 days/week to train.
  39. B

    Force-Pulley problem solving for accel

    Homework Statement A 30.7-kg block (m1) is on a horizontal surface, connected to a 6.3-kg block (m2) hanging vertically by a massless string. The pulley is massless and frictionless. A force of 224.9 N acts on m1 at an angle of 30.5degrees. The coefficient of kinetic friction (muk between m1...
  40. P

    Good Physicist and Mathematical Problem Solving.

    I have this problem that if I'm not able to solve each and every, or almost all, of the problems at the back of each chapter, I get extremely frustrated and start thinking that I can't really make a good physicist since a good physicist should be able to solve any kind of problem related to...
  41. J

    Studying What Are Some Effective Problem Solving Books for Physics?

    good problem solving books??... I'm having some difficulty solving word problems in physics and I was wondering if anyone can recommend a good problem solving book that they have read and were able to use to better their problem solving skills. I know i can build my problem solving skills...
  42. F

    Computer architecture problem solving.

    Homework Statement 1. A man bought a computer and when he booted it up he realized that the OS is not loading into RAM. Can you suggest what could be wrong with the computer? (Yes, the computer was plugged into the outlet and the power was turned on.) 2. Describe the process by which the...
  43. Somefantastik

    1st order non homogenous DE problem solving

    In my notes, the prof wrote x' = x + sin(t), x(0) = x0 He did not go through the solution, only wrote that the solution is x(t,x0) = x0et + et/2 - 1/2(sin(t) + cos(t)) I verified this is correct by substituting. So when I try to solve this DE, here's what happens...
  44. G

    Improve Problem Solving Skills | Solutions & Resources

    Hey! Does anyone know any website, books, or anything that can help improve problem solving skills?
  45. S

    Why are women not interested in problem solving?

    Hi, I'm a 17 year old male who has some questions about the women today. I have a passion for maths, programming, engineering and science. Being a heterosexual male in search of a suitable partner, I'm finding it very hard to find a girl who likes the same things as me. In fact I have seen none...
  46. N

    Understanding CN in Problem Solving: Explained!

    Problem attached. I can do the question in a variety of ways, however was unable to understand some of the other methods suggested on the markscheme. Please can someone explain them (centre of circle is (r,4), and intersection of line and circle is at (16/5, 12/5). i) ↕CN = 4 sin p...
  47. R

    Problem solving 2nd order ODE not for the faint of heart

    Problem solving 2nd order ODE...not for the faint of heart! Hey folks, I'm having problems solving the following set of ODE's: 3H_a^2+H_b^2+6H_aH_b=k_1\rho eq.1 \dot{H_a}+3H_a^2+2H_aH_b=k_2\rho eq.2 \dot{H_b}+2H_b^2+3H_aH_b=k_3\rho eq.3 These are cosmological equations. Note...
  48. P

    The Art and Craft of Problem Solving, 1.3.4

    The Art and Craft of Problem Solving, 2nd Edition By: Paul Zeitz Homework Statement 1.3.4 In the xy-plane, what is the length of the shortest path from (0,0) to (12, 16) that does not go inside the circle {{(x - 6)}^{2}} + {{(y - 8)}^{2}} = {25}. Homework Equations Standard form...
  49. E

    How can I Improve my problem solving skills using my mind only?

    How can I Improve my problem solving skills using my mind only?
  50. D

    Art and Craft of Problem Solving

    I've recently gotten hold of this book, "The Art and Craft of Problem Solving", by Paul Zeitz. I have heard many recommondations for it, and think it is fantastic. I want to read it the most effective way. Have any of you read it? How did you do it, or do you have any tips on how to read...
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