Problem Solving in mathematics: My favorite math problem
Problem solving involves finding solutions to complex problems and is often accomplished though both creative and critical thinking. Creative thinking refers to the idea of thinking outside the box; we are not talking about simple computation here, but instead the idea that perhaps we will have to approach this problem in a different way. This creative thinking may require you to generate new knowledge, to think about the problem in a completely new way. Critical thinking refers to the process of analyzing and evaluating all available information. To think critically one must examine all ideas, using the collected information to draw conclusions. Critical thinking involves checking answers for reasonableness and ensuring that the results ultimately make sense. Math, at every level, is essentially problem solving. When thinking about problem solving, typically, word problems are the first thought, the most visible example of problem solving in mathematics. When solving word problems, students are required to be both creative and critical thinkers. Students need to examine the problem in great detail, pulling out all relevant information and drawing reasonable conclusions. At the same time these students need to think creatively, looking at new ideas and new ways to solve the given problem. An example of a problem that would require strong problem solving skills can be seen below.