Difference between revisions of "How to Solve It"

Revision as of 11:28, 10 August 2015

How to Solve It (1945) is a small volume by mathematician George Pólya describing methods of problem solving.

How to Solve It suggests the following steps when solving a mathematical problem:

• First, you have to understand the problem.
• After understanding, then make a plan.
• Carry out the plan.
• Look back on your work. How could it be better?

If this technique fails, Pólya advises:

<quote>"If you can't solve a problem, then there is an easier problem you can solve: find it."</quote>

And:

"If you cannot solve the proposed problem, try to solve first some related problem. Could you imagine a more accessible related problem?"

External links

• How to Solve It @ Wikipedia