How to Solve It.”

            In 1945 George Polya wrote a book at Princeton University called “How to Solve It.” In his book, Polya was able to come up with a simple and easy way to find the answers to complicated math problems. Polya’s plan for solving mathematical problems involved four key points. First, you have to understand the problem. Second, after understanding the problem, you have to make a plan. Third, carry out the plan. Finally, look back on your work, how could it be better? It is these ideas that are the basis for solving mathematical problems.

            Polya’s first step to finding the answer is very important. If you are unable to understand the problem then you cannot continue the steps. A huge part of understanding a problem is to have interest in the answer. If the problem is below or above the students learning abilities, the student will lose interest or have trouble understanding the problem. The teacher should make the student do the work and guide with an invisible hand. If the teacher does all the work then it leaves very little for the student to do by themselves and understand. One part of Polya’s system that I found significant is to make the student repeat back the statement and see if the student can “state the problem fluently.” I think this is a good strategy for problem solving because the student should be able to identify the problem by himself. 

The next step Polya uses is to make a plan. This step is also important because