Abstract
Two methods invented by the author are presented here which help in some common cases of difficulty in solving problems. The first is called ‘The method of description’. It is suitable for the case where the solver has become thoroughly stuck with a given problem and no idea seems to come to mind. The second is suitable for the case where the solver has been trapped in a loop and goes in circles round the problem. The methods are each presented in two forms; one strict and one more ‘humanized’. The former is suitable for making a computer model as well, where the model incorporating the methods solves difficult problems. The fact that the methods can become a computer program constitutes a rigorous test for them. Some analysis of these difficulties is also attempted here.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Kalomitsines, S.: 1978, Learn How to Solve Problems, Athens (in Greek language).
Kalomitsines, S.: 1980, Attack Your Problem, Tsiveriotis G., 11 Louvari St., Peristeri, Athens.
NewellA. and SimonH. A.: 1972, Human Problem Solving, Prentice Hall, New York.
PolyaG.: 1957, How to Solve It, Doubleday and Company, New York.
PolyaG.: 1962, Mathematical Discovery, Vol 1, John Wiley and Sons, New York.
Riley, M. and Greeno, J.: 1980, Details of Programming a Model of Children's Counting in ACTP, Pitsburgh University.
RubinsteinM.: 1975, Patterns of Problem Solving, Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
SimonH.: 1980, Models of Thought, Prentice Hall, New York.
WickelgrenW. A.: 1974, How to Solve Problems, Freeman, New York.
WickelgrenW. A.: 1979, Cognitive Psychology, Prentice Hall, New York.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kalomitsines, S.P. Two methods for solving problems. Educ Stud Math 14, 251–274 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410541
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410541