Problem Solving Reflection
Problem solving is very imperative within the study of mathematics. It is unique in the sense that problem solving can be approach through various strategies to tackle complex mathematical problems. The goal that math educators strive for in teaching their students, is to provide them with the tools necessary to be able to identify and solve a problem with their acquired skills. Solving problems come in many forms such as word problems, creating patterns, interpreting figures, developing geometric constructions, proving theorems, algebraically translating, algorithmic problems, and much more.
For myself, the beauty in problem solving are the various ways in which you can approach and solve a problem. When tackling a problem the information that is provided can sometimes be information that you can use or not use when approaching strategies to behind the problem solving process. It depends on the individual completing the problem to make that decision on using the information appropriately or not to solve or obtain additional pieces of information to succeed in solving the problem. Throughout my final semester as a senior math education student, problems in my Coordinating Seminar course have been posed that appear simple in the result they were looking for but very complex in the understanding and problem solving strategies that are required to get to the solution. These problems intrigue my discovery of the problem and success in conquering it. Problem solving is an essential part in teaching and learning mathematics and should be touched upon throughout all subject areas.
For myself, the beauty in problem solving are the various ways in which you can approach and solve a problem. When tackling a problem the information that is provided can sometimes be information that you can use or not use when approaching strategies to behind the problem solving process. It depends on the individual completing the problem to make that decision on using the information appropriately or not to solve or obtain additional pieces of information to succeed in solving the problem. Throughout my final semester as a senior math education student, problems in my Coordinating Seminar course have been posed that appear simple in the result they were looking for but very complex in the understanding and problem solving strategies that are required to get to the solution. These problems intrigue my discovery of the problem and success in conquering it. Problem solving is an essential part in teaching and learning mathematics and should be touched upon throughout all subject areas.
The Pizza Problem
A group of friends decide to meet for pizza, and one friend calls ahead to order the pies. However, three people in the group do not show up at the pizza parlor. The friends who do show up figure that they each add $3 to their original share, to cover the bill, which totals $70. How many friends eat pizza?