what is the definition of the word problem solving

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Overview of the Problem-Solving Mental Process

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

what is the definition of the word problem solving

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

Identify the Problem
Define the Problem
Form a Strategy
Organize Information
Allocate Resources
Monitor Progress
Evaluate the Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Problem-solving is a mental process that involves discovering, analyzing, and solving problems. The ultimate goal of problem-solving is to overcome obstacles and find a solution that best resolves the issue.

The best strategy for solving a problem depends largely on the unique situation. In some cases, people are better off learning everything they can about the issue and then using factual knowledge to come up with a solution. In other instances, creativity and insight are the best options.

It is not necessary to follow problem-solving steps sequentially, It is common to skip steps or even go back through steps multiple times until the desired solution is reached.

In order to correctly solve a problem, it is often important to follow a series of steps. Researchers sometimes refer to this as the problem-solving cycle. While this cycle is portrayed sequentially, people rarely follow a rigid series of steps to find a solution.

The following steps include developing strategies and organizing knowledge.

1. Identifying the Problem

While it may seem like an obvious step, identifying the problem is not always as simple as it sounds. In some cases, people might mistakenly identify the wrong source of a problem, which will make attempts to solve it inefficient or even useless.

Some strategies that you might use to figure out the source of a problem include :

Asking questions about the problem
Breaking the problem down into smaller pieces
Looking at the problem from different perspectives
Conducting research to figure out what relationships exist between different variables

2. Defining the Problem

After the problem has been identified, it is important to fully define the problem so that it can be solved. You can define a problem by operationally defining each aspect of the problem and setting goals for what aspects of the problem you will address

At this point, you should focus on figuring out which aspects of the problems are facts and which are opinions. State the problem clearly and identify the scope of the solution.

3. Forming a Strategy

After the problem has been identified, it is time to start brainstorming potential solutions. This step usually involves generating as many ideas as possible without judging their quality. Once several possibilities have been generated, they can be evaluated and narrowed down.

The next step is to develop a strategy to solve the problem. The approach used will vary depending upon the situation and the individual's unique preferences. Common problem-solving strategies include heuristics and algorithms.

Heuristics are mental shortcuts that are often based on solutions that have worked in the past. They can work well if the problem is similar to something you have encountered before and are often the best choice if you need a fast solution.
Algorithms are step-by-step strategies that are guaranteed to produce a correct result. While this approach is great for accuracy, it can also consume time and resources.

Heuristics are often best used when time is of the essence, while algorithms are a better choice when a decision needs to be as accurate as possible.

4. Organizing Information

Before coming up with a solution, you need to first organize the available information. What do you know about the problem? What do you not know? The more information that is available the better prepared you will be to come up with an accurate solution.

When approaching a problem, it is important to make sure that you have all the data you need. Making a decision without adequate information can lead to biased or inaccurate results.

5. Allocating Resources

Of course, we don't always have unlimited money, time, and other resources to solve a problem. Before you begin to solve a problem, you need to determine how high priority it is.

If it is an important problem, it is probably worth allocating more resources to solving it. If, however, it is a fairly unimportant problem, then you do not want to spend too much of your available resources on coming up with a solution.

At this stage, it is important to consider all of the factors that might affect the problem at hand. This includes looking at the available resources, deadlines that need to be met, and any possible risks involved in each solution. After careful evaluation, a decision can be made about which solution to pursue.

6. Monitoring Progress

After selecting a problem-solving strategy, it is time to put the plan into action and see if it works. This step might involve trying out different solutions to see which one is the most effective.

It is also important to monitor the situation after implementing a solution to ensure that the problem has been solved and that no new problems have arisen as a result of the proposed solution.

Effective problem-solvers tend to monitor their progress as they work towards a solution. If they are not making good progress toward reaching their goal, they will reevaluate their approach or look for new strategies .

7. Evaluating the Results

After a solution has been reached, it is important to evaluate the results to determine if it is the best possible solution to the problem. This evaluation might be immediate, such as checking the results of a math problem to ensure the answer is correct, or it can be delayed, such as evaluating the success of a therapy program after several months of treatment.

Once a problem has been solved, it is important to take some time to reflect on the process that was used and evaluate the results. This will help you to improve your problem-solving skills and become more efficient at solving future problems.

A Word From Verywell

It is important to remember that there are many different problem-solving processes with different steps, and this is just one example. Problem-solving in real-world situations requires a great deal of resourcefulness, flexibility, resilience, and continuous interaction with the environment.

Get Advice From The Verywell Mind Podcast

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how you can stop dwelling in a negative mindset.

Follow Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

You can become a better problem solving by:

Practicing brainstorming and coming up with multiple potential solutions to problems
Being open-minded and considering all possible options before making a decision
Breaking down problems into smaller, more manageable pieces
Asking for help when needed
Researching different problem-solving techniques and trying out new ones
Learning from mistakes and using them as opportunities to grow

It's important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about what's going on. Try to see things from their perspective as well as your own. Work together to find a resolution that works for both of you. Be willing to compromise and accept that there may not be a perfect solution.

Take breaks if things are getting too heated, and come back to the problem when you feel calm and collected. Don't try to fix every problem on your own—consider asking a therapist or counselor for help and insight.

If you've tried everything and there doesn't seem to be a way to fix the problem, you may have to learn to accept it. This can be difficult, but try to focus on the positive aspects of your life and remember that every situation is temporary. Don't dwell on what's going wrong—instead, think about what's going right. Find support by talking to friends or family. Seek professional help if you're having trouble coping.

Davidson JE, Sternberg RJ, editors. The Psychology of Problem Solving . Cambridge University Press; 2003. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511615771

Sarathy V. Real world problem-solving . Front Hum Neurosci . 2018;12:261. Published 2018 Jun 26. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00261

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Article • 4 min read

The Problem-Solving Process

Looking at the basic problem-solving process to help keep you on the right track.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Problem-solving is an important part of planning and decision-making. The process has much in common with the decision-making process, and in the case of complex decisions, can form part of the process itself.

We face and solve problems every day, in a variety of guises and of differing complexity. Some, such as the resolution of a serious complaint, require a significant amount of time, thought and investigation. Others, such as a printer running out of paper, are so quickly resolved they barely register as a problem at all.

Despite the everyday occurrence of problems, many people lack confidence when it comes to solving them, and as a result may chose to stay with the status quo rather than tackle the issue. Broken down into steps, however, the problem-solving process is very simple. While there are many tools and techniques available to help us solve problems, the outline process remains the same.

The main stages of problem-solving are outlined below, though not all are required for every problem that needs to be solved.

1. Define the Problem

Clarify the problem before trying to solve it. A common mistake with problem-solving is to react to what the problem appears to be, rather than what it actually is. Write down a simple statement of the problem, and then underline the key words. Be certain there are no hidden assumptions in the key words you have underlined. One way of doing this is to use a synonym to replace the key words. For example, ‘We need to encourage higher productivity ’ might become ‘We need to promote superior output ’ which has a different meaning.

2. Analyze the Problem

Ask yourself, and others, the following questions.

Where is the problem occurring?
When is it occurring?
Why is it happening?

Be careful not to jump to ‘who is causing the problem?’. When stressed and faced with a problem it is all too easy to assign blame. This, however, can cause negative feeling and does not help to solve the problem. As an example, if an employee is underperforming, the root of the problem might lie in a number of areas, such as lack of training, workplace bullying or management style. To assign immediate blame to the employee would not therefore resolve the underlying issue.

Once the answers to the where, when and why have been determined, the following questions should also be asked:

Where can further information be found?
Is this information correct, up-to-date and unbiased?
What does this information mean in terms of the available options?

3. Generate Potential Solutions

When generating potential solutions it can be a good idea to have a mixture of ‘right brain’ and ‘left brain’ thinkers. In other words, some people who think laterally and some who think logically. This provides a balance in terms of generating the widest possible variety of solutions while also being realistic about what can be achieved. There are many tools and techniques which can help produce solutions, including thinking about the problem from a number of different perspectives, and brainstorming, where a team or individual write as many possibilities as they can think of to encourage lateral thinking and generate a broad range of potential solutions.

4. Select Best Solution

When selecting the best solution, consider:

Is this a long-term solution, or a ‘quick fix’?
Is the solution achievable in terms of available resources and time?
Are there any risks associated with the chosen solution?
Could the solution, in itself, lead to other problems?

This stage in particular demonstrates why problem-solving and decision-making are so closely related.

5. Take Action

In order to implement the chosen solution effectively, consider the following:

What will the situation look like when the problem is resolved?
What needs to be done to implement the solution? Are there systems or processes that need to be adjusted?
What will be the success indicators?
What are the timescales for the implementation? Does the scale of the problem/implementation require a project plan?
Who is responsible?

Once the answers to all the above questions are written down, they can form the basis of an action plan.

6. Monitor and Review

One of the most important factors in successful problem-solving is continual observation and feedback. Use the success indicators in the action plan to monitor progress on a regular basis. Is everything as expected? Is everything on schedule? Keep an eye on priorities and timelines to prevent them from slipping.

If the indicators are not being met, or if timescales are slipping, consider what can be done. Was the plan realistic? If so, are sufficient resources being made available? Are these resources targeting the correct part of the plan? Or does the plan need to be amended? Regular review and discussion of the action plan is important so small adjustments can be made on a regular basis to help keep everything on track.

Once all the indicators have been met and the problem has been resolved, consider what steps can now be taken to prevent this type of problem recurring? It may be that the chosen solution already prevents a recurrence, however if an interim or partial solution has been chosen it is important not to lose momentum.

Problems, by their very nature, will not always fit neatly into a structured problem-solving process. This process, therefore, is designed as a framework which can be adapted to individual needs and nature.

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Definition of problem-solving noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

problem-solving

to develop problem-solving skills and strategies

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What is Problem Solving? (Steps, Techniques, Examples)

By Status.net Editorial Team on May 7, 2023 — 5 minutes to read

What Is Problem Solving?

Definition and importance.

Problem solving is the process of finding solutions to obstacles or challenges you encounter in your life or work. It is a crucial skill that allows you to tackle complex situations, adapt to changes, and overcome difficulties with ease. Mastering this ability will contribute to both your personal and professional growth, leading to more successful outcomes and better decision-making.

Problem-Solving Steps

The problem-solving process typically includes the following steps:

Identify the issue : Recognize the problem that needs to be solved.
Analyze the situation : Examine the issue in depth, gather all relevant information, and consider any limitations or constraints that may be present.
Generate potential solutions : Brainstorm a list of possible solutions to the issue, without immediately judging or evaluating them.
Evaluate options : Weigh the pros and cons of each potential solution, considering factors such as feasibility, effectiveness, and potential risks.
Select the best solution : Choose the option that best addresses the problem and aligns with your objectives.
Implement the solution : Put the selected solution into action and monitor the results to ensure it resolves the issue.
Review and learn : Reflect on the problem-solving process, identify any improvements or adjustments that can be made, and apply these learnings to future situations.

Defining the Problem

To start tackling a problem, first, identify and understand it. Analyzing the issue thoroughly helps to clarify its scope and nature. Ask questions to gather information and consider the problem from various angles. Some strategies to define the problem include:

Brainstorming with others
Asking the 5 Ws and 1 H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How)
Analyzing cause and effect
Creating a problem statement

Generating Solutions

Once the problem is clearly understood, brainstorm possible solutions. Think creatively and keep an open mind, as well as considering lessons from past experiences. Consider:

Creating a list of potential ideas to solve the problem
Grouping and categorizing similar solutions
Prioritizing potential solutions based on feasibility, cost, and resources required
Involving others to share diverse opinions and inputs

Evaluating and Selecting Solutions

Evaluate each potential solution, weighing its pros and cons. To facilitate decision-making, use techniques such as:

SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
Decision-making matrices
Pros and cons lists
Risk assessments

After evaluating, choose the most suitable solution based on effectiveness, cost, and time constraints.

Implementing and Monitoring the Solution

Implement the chosen solution and monitor its progress. Key actions include:

Communicating the solution to relevant parties
Setting timelines and milestones
Assigning tasks and responsibilities
Monitoring the solution and making adjustments as necessary
Evaluating the effectiveness of the solution after implementation

Utilize feedback from stakeholders and consider potential improvements. Remember that problem-solving is an ongoing process that can always be refined and enhanced.

Problem-Solving Techniques

During each step, you may find it helpful to utilize various problem-solving techniques, such as:

Brainstorming : A free-flowing, open-minded session where ideas are generated and listed without judgment, to encourage creativity and innovative thinking.
Root cause analysis : A method that explores the underlying causes of a problem to find the most effective solution rather than addressing superficial symptoms.
SWOT analysis : A tool used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a problem or decision, providing a comprehensive view of the situation.
Mind mapping : A visual technique that uses diagrams to organize and connect ideas, helping to identify patterns, relationships, and possible solutions.

Brainstorming

When facing a problem, start by conducting a brainstorming session. Gather your team and encourage an open discussion where everyone contributes ideas, no matter how outlandish they may seem. This helps you:

Generate a diverse range of solutions
Encourage all team members to participate
Foster creative thinking

When brainstorming, remember to:

Reserve judgment until the session is over
Encourage wild ideas
Combine and improve upon ideas

Root Cause Analysis

For effective problem-solving, identifying the root cause of the issue at hand is crucial. Try these methods:

5 Whys : Ask “why” five times to get to the underlying cause.
Fishbone Diagram : Create a diagram representing the problem and break it down into categories of potential causes.
Pareto Analysis : Determine the few most significant causes underlying the majority of problems.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis helps you examine the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to your problem. To perform a SWOT analysis:

List your problem’s strengths, such as relevant resources or strong partnerships.
Identify its weaknesses, such as knowledge gaps or limited resources.
Explore opportunities, like trends or new technologies, that could help solve the problem.
Recognize potential threats, like competition or regulatory barriers.

SWOT analysis aids in understanding the internal and external factors affecting the problem, which can help guide your solution.

Mind Mapping

A mind map is a visual representation of your problem and potential solutions. It enables you to organize information in a structured and intuitive manner. To create a mind map:

Write the problem in the center of a blank page.
Draw branches from the central problem to related sub-problems or contributing factors.
Add more branches to represent potential solutions or further ideas.

Mind mapping allows you to visually see connections between ideas and promotes creativity in problem-solving.

Examples of Problem Solving in Various Contexts

In the business world, you might encounter problems related to finances, operations, or communication. Applying problem-solving skills in these situations could look like:

Identifying areas of improvement in your company’s financial performance and implementing cost-saving measures
Resolving internal conflicts among team members by listening and understanding different perspectives, then proposing and negotiating solutions
Streamlining a process for better productivity by removing redundancies, automating tasks, or re-allocating resources

In educational contexts, problem-solving can be seen in various aspects, such as:

Addressing a gap in students’ understanding by employing diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles
Developing a strategy for successful time management to balance academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities
Seeking resources and support to provide equal opportunities for learners with special needs or disabilities

Everyday life is full of challenges that require problem-solving skills. Some examples include:

Overcoming a personal obstacle, such as improving your fitness level, by establishing achievable goals, measuring progress, and adjusting your approach accordingly
Navigating a new environment or city by researching your surroundings, asking for directions, or using technology like GPS to guide you
Dealing with a sudden change, like a change in your work schedule, by assessing the situation, identifying potential impacts, and adapting your plans to accommodate the change.
How to Resolve Employee Conflict at Work [Steps, Tips, Examples]
How to Write Inspiring Core Values? 5 Steps with Examples
30 Employee Feedback Examples (Positive & Negative)

What Is Problem Solving?

You will often see beach clean-up drives being publicized in coastal cities. There are already dustbins available on the beaches,…

You will often see beach clean-up drives being publicized in coastal cities. There are already dustbins available on the beaches, so why do people need to organize these drives? It’s evident that despite advertising and posting anti-littering messages, some of us don’t follow the rules.

Temporary food stalls and shops make it even more difficult to keep the beaches clean. Since people can’t ask the shopkeepers to relocate or prevent every single person from littering, the clean-up drive is needed. This is an ideal example of problem-solving psychology in humans. ( 230-fifth.com ) So, what is problem-solving? Let’s find out.

What Is Problem-Solving?

At its simplest, the meaning of problem-solving is the process of defining a problem, determining its cause, and implementing a solution. The definition of problem-solving is rooted in the fact that as humans, we exert control over our environment through solutions. We move forward in life when we solve problems and make decisions.

We can better define the problem-solving process through a series of important steps.

Identify The Problem:

This step isn’t as simple as it sounds. Most times, we mistakenly identify the consequences of a problem rather than the problem itself. It’s important that we’re careful to identify the actual problem and not just its symptoms.

Define The Problem:

Once the problem has been identified correctly, you should define it. This step can help clarify what needs to be addressed and for what purpose.

Form A Strategy:

Develop a strategy to solve your problem. Defining an approach will provide direction and clarity on the next steps.

Organize The Information:

Organizing information systematically will help you determine whether something is missing. The more information you have, the easier it’ll become for you to arrive at a solution.

Allocate Resources:

We may not always be armed with the necessary resources to solve a problem. Before you commit to implementing a solution for a problem, you should determine the availability of different resources—money, time and other costs.

Track Progress:

The true meaning of problem-solving is to work towards an objective. If you measure your progress, you can evaluate whether you’re on track. You could revise your strategies if you don’t notice the desired level of progress.

Evaluate The Results:

After you spot a solution, evaluate the results to determine whether it’s the best possible solution. For example, you can evaluate the success of a fitness routine after several weeks of exercise.

Meaning Of Problem-Solving Skill

Now that we’ve established the definition of problem-solving psychology in humans, let’s look at how we utilize our problem-solving skills. These skills help you determine the source of a problem and how to effectively determine the solution. Problem-solving skills aren’t innate and can be mastered over time. Here are some important skills that are beneficial for finding solutions.

Communication

Communication is a critical skill when you have to work in teams. If you and your colleagues have to work on a project together, you’ll have to collaborate with each other. In case of differences of opinion, you should be able to listen attentively and respond respectfully in order to successfully arrive at a solution.

As a problem-solver, you need to be able to research and identify underlying causes. You should never treat a problem lightly. In-depth study is imperative because often people identify only the symptoms and not the actual problem.

Once you have researched and identified the factors causing a problem, start working towards developing solutions. Your analytical skills can help you differentiate between effective and ineffective solutions.

Decision-Making

You’ll have to make a decision after you’ve identified the source and methods of solving a problem. If you’ve done your research and applied your analytical skills effectively, it’ll become easier for you to take a call or a decision.

Organizations really value decisive problem-solvers. Harappa Education’s Defining Problems course will guide you on the path to developing a problem-solving mindset. Learn how to identify the different types of problems using the Types of Problems framework. Additionally, the SMART framework, which is a five-point tool, will teach you to create specific and actionable objectives to address problem statements and arrive at solutions.

Explore topics & skills such as Problem Solving Skills , PICK Chart , How to Solve Problems & Barriers to Problem Solving from our Harappa Diaries blog section and develop your skills.

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problem-solving

adjective as in analytic

Strongest matches

analytical , investigative

Weak matches

inquiring , rational , sound , systematic

adjective as in analytical

analytic , cogent , detailed , diagnostic , interpretive , investigative , penetrating , rational , scientific , systematic , thorough

conclusive , discrete , dissecting , explanatory , expository , inquiring , inquisitive , judicious , logical , organized , perceptive , perspicuous , precise , questioning , ratiocinative , reasonably , searching , solid , sound , studious , subtle , testing , valid

adjective as in analytic/analytical

cogent , conclusive , detailed , diagnostic , discrete , dissecting , explanatory , expository , inquiring , inquisitive , interpretive , investigative , judicious , logical , organized , penetrating , perceptive , perspicuous , precise , questioning , ratiocinative , rational , reasonable , scientific , searching , solid , sound , studious , subtle , systematic , testing , thorough , valid , well-grounded

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Example sentences.

“These are problem-solving products but that incorporate technology in a really subtle, unobtrusive way,” she says.

And it is a “problem-solving populism” that marries the twin impulses of populism and progressivism.

“We want a Republican Party that returns to problem-solving mode,” he said.

Problem-solving entails accepting realities, splitting differences, and moving forward.

It teaches female factory workers technical and life skills, such as literacy, communication and problem-solving.

Problem solving with class discussion is absolutely essential, and should occupy at least one third of the entire time.

In teaching by the problem-solving method Professor Lancelot 22 makes use of three types of problems.

Sequential Problem Solving is written for those with a whole brain thinking style.

Thus problem solving involves both the physical world and the interpersonal world.

Sequential Problem Solving begins with the mechanics of learning and the role of memorization in learning.

Related Words

Words related to problem-solving are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word problem-solving . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

adjective as in logical

investigative

adjective as in examining and determining

explanatory
inquisitive
interpretive
penetrating
perspicuous
questioning
ratiocinative
well-grounded

adjective as in examining

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Definition of problem

(Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of problem (Entry 2 of 2)

mystery , problem , enigma , riddle , puzzle mean something which baffles or perplexes.

mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

Examples of problem in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'problem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English probleme , from Latin problema , from Greek problēma , literally, obstacle, from proballein to throw forward, from pro- forward + ballein to throw — more at pro- , devil

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing problem

attitude problem
drinking problem
drink problem
first world problem
have a problem with
not a problem
not someone's problem
problem - solving
therein lies the problem
what's someone's problem
word problem

Articles Related to problem

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Dictionary Entries Near problem

problematic

Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/problem. Accessed 16 May. 2024.

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Quadratic equations | Worked example

What are algebraic word problems?

What skills are needed.

Translating sentences to equations
Solving linear equations with one variable
Evaluating algebraic expressions
Solving problems using Venn diagrams

How do we solve algebraic word problems?

Define a variable.
Write an equation using the variable.
Solve the equation.
If the variable is not the answer to the word problem, use the variable to calculate the answer.

What's a Venn diagram?

7 + 10 − 13 = 4 ‍ brought both food and drinks.
7 − 4 = 3 ‍ brought only food.
10 − 4 = 6 ‍ brought only drinks.
Your answer should be
an integer, like 6 ‍
a simplified proper fraction, like 3 / 5 ‍
a simplified improper fraction, like 7 / 4 ‍
a mixed number, like 1 3 / 4 ‍
an exact decimal, like 0.75 ‍
a multiple of pi, like 12 pi ‍ or 2 / 3 pi ‍
(Choice A) $ 4 ‍ A $ 4 ‍
(Choice B) $ 5 ‍ B $ 5 ‍
(Choice C) $ 9 ‍ C $ 9 ‍
(Choice D) $ 14 ‍ D $ 14 ‍
(Choice E) $ 20 ‍ E $ 20 ‍
(Choice A) 10 ‍ A 10 ‍
(Choice B) 12 ‍ B 12 ‍
(Choice C) 24 ‍ C 24 ‍
(Choice D) 30 ‍ D 30 ‍
(Choice E) 32 ‍ E 32 ‍
(Choice A) 4 ‍ A 4 ‍
(Choice B) 10 ‍ B 10 ‍
(Choice C) 14 ‍ C 14 ‍
(Choice D) 18 ‍ D 18 ‍
(Choice E) 22 ‍ E 22 ‍

Things to remember

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[ prob -l uh m ]

Synonyms: enigma , riddle , puzzle

Antonyms: certitude

Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.

a problem child.

a problem play.

/ ˈprɒbləm /

any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome

a problem child

a puzzle, question, etc, set for solution
maths a statement requiring a solution usually by means of one or more operations or geometric constructions

a problem play

Discover More

Other words from.

sub·problem noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of problem 1

Idioms and Phrases

Sure, no problem, I can do that right away.

No problem, I’m glad I could help!

Related Words

complication

Where does problem come from?

The first records of problem come from around 1350. It comes from the Greek próblēma , meaning “something thrown or put forward.” It is a noun made by combining the Greek prefix pro- and the verb bállein , meaning “to throw.”

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to problem ?

subproblem (noun)

What are some synonyms for problem ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with problem ?

problematic

What are some words that often get used in discussing problem ?

How is problem used in real life?

Problem is a common word that people use to refer to things that cause stress or difficulty.

I think I will cause problems for the me of tomorrow — latino heat (@Im_JeremyM) November 26, 2020

A1: we took a problem our school wanted to talk thru. We then presented the problem to a group. Answered clarifying questions. Then we were asked to sit and listen as the group discussed it. Very insightful to get varying perspectives from educators from other schools. #NYEDChat — Tyler Arnold 🤙🏾 Dr. Ty (@tyarnold18) October 2, 2018

I’ve been working on math problems for 2 hours now and I’m still not done 😭 someone put me out of my misery please 😩 — eddy is a klee haver (@egbarbatos) November 28, 2020

Try using problem !

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of problem ?

A. difficulty B. answer C. trouble D. issue

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Word problems in mathematics education: a survey

Survey Paper
Published: 13 January 2020
Volume 52 , pages 1–16, ( 2020 )

Cite this article

Lieven Verschaffel ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5283-6470 1 ,
Stanislaw Schukajlow 2 ,
Jon Star 3 &
Wim Van Dooren 1

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Word problems are among the most difficult kinds of problems that mathematics learners encounter. Perhaps as a result, they have been the object of a tremendous amount research over the past 50 years. This opening article gives an overview of the research literature on word problem solving, by pointing to a number of major topics, questions, and debates that have dominated the field. After a short introduction, we begin with research that has conceived word problems primarily as problems of comprehension, and we describe the various ways in which this complex comprehension process has been conceived theoretically as well as the empirical evidence supporting different theoretical models. Next we review research that has focused on strategies for actually solving the word problem. Strengths and weaknesses of informal and formal solution strategies—at various levels of learners’ mathematical development (i.e., arithmetic, algebra)—are discussed. Fourth, we address research that thinks of word problems as exercises in complex problem solving, requiring the use of cognitive strategies (heuristics) as well as metacognitive (or self-regulatory) strategies. The fifth section concerns the role of graphical representations in word problem solving. The complex and sometimes surprising results of research on representations—both self-made and externally provided ones—are summarized and discussed. As in many other domains of mathematics learning, word problem solving performance has been shown to be significantly associated with a number of general cognitive resources such as working memory capacity and inhibitory skills. Research focusing on the role of these general cognitive resources is reviewed afterwards. The seventh section discusses research that analyzes the complex relationship between (traditional) word problems and (genuine) mathematical modeling tasks. Generally, this research points to the gap between the artificial word problems learners encounter in their mathematics lessons, on the one hand, and the authentic mathematical modeling situations with which they are confronted in real life, on the other hand. Finally, we review research on the impact of three important elements of the teaching/learning environment on the development of learners’ word problem solving competence: textbooks, software, and teachers. It is shown how each of these three environmental elements may support or hinder the development of learners’ word problem solving competence. With this general overview of international research on the various perspectives on this complex and fascinating kind of mathematical problem, we set the scene for the empirical contributions on word problems that appear in this special issue.

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Learning to be an opportunistic word problem solver: going beyond informal solving strategies

Different complex word problems require different combinations of cognitive skills

Forms of Representation for Solving Mathematical Word Problems — Development of an Intervention Study

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Vicente, S., Orrantia, J., & Verschaffel, L. (2007). Influence of situational and conceptual rewording on word problem solving. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 77, 829–848.

Vicente, S., Rosario Sanchez, M., & Verschaffel, L. (in press). Word problem solving approaches in mathematics textbooks: a comparison between Spain and Singapore. European Journal of Psychology of Education .

Wang, A. Y., Fuchs, L., & Fuchs, D. (2016). Cognitive and linguistic predictors of mathematical word problems with and without irrelevant information. Learning and Individual Differences, 52, 79–87.

Yackel, E., & Cobb, P. (1996). Sociomathematical norms, argumentations, and autonomy in mathematics. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 27, 458–477.

Yerushalmy, M. (2006). Slower algebra students meet faster tools: Solving algebraic word problems with graphing software. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 37, 356–387.

Yoshida, H., Verschaffel, L., & De Corte, E. (1997). Realistic considerations in solving problematic word problems: Do Japanese and European children have the same difficulties? Learning and Instruction, 7, 329–338.

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Verschaffel, L., Schukajlow, S., Star, J. et al. Word problems in mathematics education: a survey. ZDM Mathematics Education 52 , 1–16 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-020-01130-4

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This is a guide on how to solve word problems!

Definition of a Word Problem:

Before you start to solve word problems, it is important to understand what a word problem is. A word problem is a mathematical exercise which is in the form of a hypothetical question that needs mathematical analysis and equations to be solved. A good way to solve word problems is by using the method called “GRASS.” GRASS is an acronym for Given, Required, Analysis, Solution, and Statement. You can use GRASS, step by step, to break down a word problem, making it easier to solve.

Given : Identify the given information in the question. What values are given and what do they represent? It may be helpful to know the following terms that are sometimes used in math questions and what they mean:

Required : Look at what the question is actually asking you to find. Whatever it is, represent it with a variable e.g., x.

Analysis : If applicable, draw a sketch if one is not already provided. Decide on the appropriate math techniques to use and the formulas that relate the different quantities of interest. Whenever possible, use one variable only. For example, if you're looking for two numbers that differ by 5, then let x, and x+5 (or x and x-5) represent the two numbers, NOT x and y. Alternatively, you may be able to use some information presented in the question to help you rewrite your equation in terms of one variable only.

Solution : Solve the equation or find the answer you're looking for. You’ll have to think hard about the various math techniques you’ve learned in your courses to figure out which ones work for this particular question. Make sure your solution(s) makes sense in the context of the application—e.g., a negative area doesn't make any sense.

Statement : Finish off with a concluding statement to make clear the answer to the question. If applicable, include units in your answer.

Here is a simple example to show how GRASS is used to solve a word problem.

The perimeter of a rectangular park is 26 m. If the length of the park is 5m, what is the width of the park?

Given : In this question, we are given the perimeter of the rectangular park as 26 m. We are also told that the length of the park is 5 m. So, P= 26m and L= 5m.

Required : The question asks: “What is the width of the park?” From this we know we have to find the width. Find: w = ?

Analysis : We can draw a sketch of the rectangular park to find out what formulas we might have to use to find the width.

Note: The longer sides are the lengths and the shorter sides are the widths.

$Word Problem Sketch$

So from this sketch, we can see that we need the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle.

If we rearrange the equation for w, then we get

w = (P – 2L) ÷ 2

The simplified equation is,

w = P/2 - L

Solution : So now that we have our equation, we can solve for the unknown variable w by subbing in our known variables, P and L.

w = (26m)/2 - 5m

w = 13m - 5m

w = 8m

Statement : We found that the width is 8 metres. So now write your final answer from your solution in words.

Therefore, the width of the rectangular park is 8 metres.

Please ensure that your password is at least 8 characters and contains each of the following:

a special character: @$#!%*?&

“Problem-Solving” Or “Problem Solving”? Learn If It Is Hyphenated

Is it problem-solving or problem solving? Hyphenation rules seem to be a little confusing when you’re first picking up a language. Don’t worry, though. They’re not nearly as complicated as the language may have led you to believe!

Problem-Solving Or Problem Solving – Hyphenated Or Not?

When we discuss the problem-solving hyphen rule, we learn that problem-solving is hyphenated when used to modify a noun or object in a sentence. We keep the two words separated when using them as their own noun and not modifying anything else in the sentence.

Examples Of When To Use “Problem-Solving”

Now that we’re into the whole debate of problem-solving vs problem solving, let’s look through some examples of how we can use “problem-solving” with a hyphen. As stated above, we use “problem-solving” when modifying a noun or object in a sentence. It’s the most common way to write “problem-solving.” Even the spelling without a hyphen is slowly being pushed out of common language use!

This is a problem-solving class.
I hold a problem-solving position at my workplace.
My manager put me in charge of the problem-solving accounts.
They say I have a problem-solving mind.
We’re known as problem-solving children.

Examples Of When To Use “Problem Solving”

Though much less common to be seen written as a phrase noun, it is still worth mentioning. It’s grammatically correct to use “problem solving” at the end of a sentence or clause without a hyphen. However, as we stated above, many people are beginning to prefer the ease of sticking to the hyphenated spelling, meaning that it’s slowly phasing out of existence even in this form.

I’m good at problem solving.
This requires a lot of problem solving.
We are all trained in problem solving.
My job asks for problem solving.
Did you say you were good at problem solving?

Is Problem-Solving Hyphenated AP Style?

Have you had a look through the rules in the AP stylebook before? Even if you haven’t, there’s a good explanation for hyphens there. As we stated above, we use hyphens when linking close words that modify a noun or object in a sentence. They’re used to help a reader better understand what is going on through the modification of the clause.

Should I Capitalize “Solving” In The Word “Problem-Solving”?

The question of “is problem-solving hyphenated” was answered, but now we’ve got a new question. What happens to capitalization rules when we add a hyphen to a title. It depends on your own title choices, so let’s look a little further into the three potential options. The first option capitalizes only the first word and any proper nouns in a title. In this case, neither word in “problem-solving” is capitalized.

The second option capitalizes all words except for short conjunctions, short prepositions, and articles. In this case, you will always capitalize “problem” but always leave “solving” uncapitalized. The final option capitalizes every single word in a title. No matter what, you’ll capitalize both words in “problem-solving” when using this style to write your titles.

Does The Rule Also Apply To “Problem Solver” Vs “Problem-Solver”?

The same rule does apply when we use “problem solver” instead of “problem solving.” However, it’s not often that we’ll see a “problem-solver” modifying a noun or object (unless it’s a problem-solver robot or something). So, it’s most likely you’ll write “problem solver.”

Alternatives To “Problem-Solving”

If you’re still struggling with the hyphen rule of whether it’s problem solving or problem-solving, there’s one last thing we can help you with. We can give you some alternatives that have the same meanings but don’t require a hyphen. This way, you can be safe in your own knowledge without having to worry about getting the rules wrong.

interpretive

Quiz – Problem-Solving Or Problem Solving?

We’ll finish with a quiz to see how much you’ve learned from this article. The answers are all multiple choice, so you should have a blast with them! We’ll include the answers at the end to reference as well.

I’ve been told that I’m good at (A. problem-solving / B. problem solving).
I hold my (A. problem-solving / B. problem solving) skills close to my heart.
We aren’t great at (A. problem-solving / B. problem solving).
These are all the best (A. problem-solving / B. problem solving) subjects.
Can we have a go at a (A. problem-solving / B. problem solving) puzzle?

Quiz Answers

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

Full time or Full-time? Learn if “Full time” is hyphenated
“Well written” or “Well-written”? Learn If “Well written” Is Hyphenated
“On-Time” Or “On Time”? Learn If “On Time” Is Hyphenated
Year round or Year-round? (Hyphen Rule Explained)

Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of problematization in English

A thorough problematization of the concept of genre is found in Derrida (1980).
The absence of problematization is most apparent in the second chapter .
Foucault notes several themes in the problematisation of pleasure .
all-singing
be more to something than meets the eye idiom
insolubility
intractability
onerousness
over-elaborate
tortuousness
ultra-sophisticated
wheels within wheels idiom

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Word of the Day

troubleshoot

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to discover why something does not work effectively and help to improve it

Searching out and tracking down: talking about finding or discovering things

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Math Word Problems

Welcome to the math word problems worksheets page at Math-Drills.com! On this page, you will find Math word and story problems worksheets with single- and multi-step solutions on a variety of math topics including addition, multiplication, subtraction, division and other math topics. It is usually a good idea to ensure students already have a strategy or two in place to complete the math operations involved in a particular question. For example, students may need a way to figure out what 7 × 8 is or have previously memorized the answer before you give them a word problem that involves finding the answer to 7 × 8.

There are a number of strategies used in solving math word problems; if you don't have a favorite, try the Math-Drills.com problem-solving strategy:

Question : Understand what the question is asking. What operation or operations do you need to use to solve this question? Ask for help to understand the question if you can't do it on your own.
Estimate : Use an estimation strategy, so you can check your answer for reasonableness in the evaluate step. Try underestimating and overestimating, so you know what range the answer is supposed to be in. Be flexible in rounding numbers if it will make your estimate easier.
Strategize : Choose a strategy to solve the problem. Will you use mental math, manipulatives, or pencil and paper? Use a strategy that works for you. Save the calculator until the evaluate stage.
Calculate : Use your strategy to solve the problem.
Evaluate : Compare your answer to your estimate. If you under and overestimated, is the answer in the correct range. If you rounded up or down, does the answer make sense (e.g. is it a little less or a little more than the estimate). Also check with a calculator.

Most Popular Math Word Problems this Week

$Easy Multi-Step Word Problems$

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$what is the definition of the word problem solving$

Addition Word Problems One-Step Addition Word Problems Using Single-Digit Numbers One-Step Addition Word Problems Using Two-Digit Numbers
Subtraction Word Problems Subtraction Facts Word Problems With Differences from 5 to 12
Multiplication Word Problems One-Step Multiplication Word Problems up to 10 × 10
Division Word Problems Division Facts Word Problems with Quotients from 5 to 12
Multi-Step Word Problems Easy Multi-Step Word Problems

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What do teens mean when they say ‘sigma’?

What the sigma?

Some know “sigma” as the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet but it’s also teen slang for a cool dude.

According to Know Your Meme , sigma is “referring to a supposed classification for men who are successful and popular, but also silent and rebellious.” Sigma males are “considered ‘equal’ to Alphas on the hierarchy but live outside of the hierarchy by choice,” reads the website.

Urban Dictionary adds that sigma “is what all 10 year olds think they are.” As reported by British GQ , the word “sigma” was born from the misogynistic “manosphere.”

What does ‘sigma’ mean?

Philip Lindsay , a special education math teacher in Payson, Arizona, broke down “Sigma” on TikTok.

“There’s this group of people who have this hierarchy for males — there’s ‘alpha’ and there’s ‘sigma,’” Lindsay said in a video . “This is a group of people that mainly ranks males based on looks, success, that whole thing.”

Lindsay added, “So they have the ‘alpha’ which is the most successful, the best looking and then they have ‘sigma’ which is the same thing as an alpha but humbler.”

Another definition for “sigma” says Lindsay, is “the best.”

‘What the sigma?’

According to Lindsay, “What the sigma?” is traced to a SpongeBob SquarePants internet meme (which a spokesperson of Nickelodeon tells TODAY.com is fan-created).

In the video , Squidward and SpongeBob, characters from the cartoon show “SpongeBob Squarepants,” watch footage of a waffle cone dipped in chocolate syrup and sprinkles.

“That looks insane,” said SpongeBob in the video.

“That also looks very unhealthy,” replied Squidward, stating, “Erm, what the sigma?”

Lindsay said “sigma” is from the same culture as mewing and looksmaxing , trends — according to the New York Times — that claim to help teens look better.

One example of “Looksmaxing” is “ Mewing ”: teens flatten their tongues to the tops of their mouths, to supposedly eliminate a double chin, a method that American Association of Orthodontists says is not scientific. The teen version of “mewing” is a “hush” symbol and touching the jawline to mean, “I can’t talk.”

Lindsay tells TODAY.com that “sigma” is a classroom trend.

“They say, ‘Are you sigma Mr. Lindsay?’ or ‘Yo, that’s so sigma’ when I do something that pleases them like (assigning) math problems (to solve) with an online game,” he says, adding that in his classroom, “Sigma is going strong.”

Elise Solé is a writer and editor who lives in Los Angeles and covers parenting for TODAY Parents. She was previously a news editor at Yahoo and has also worked at Marie Claire and Women's Health. Her bylines have appeared in Shondaland, SheKnows, Happify and more.

Artificial Intelligence /

Google’s Circle to Search will help you with your math homework

Circle to search on android can now help students learn to solve mathematical word problems thanks to google’s new learnlm model..

By Umar Shakir , a news writer fond of the electric vehicle lifestyle and things that plug in via USB-C. He spent over 15 years in IT support before joining The Verge.

Share this story

A math word problem that says a car takes 8 seconds to accelerate from 0 meters per second to 24 meters per second. Calculate the acceleration of the car. There’s a drawn circle around the word problem. A metallic blue android bot is in the corner with a Gemini star above it.

Google is enhancing Android’s Circle to Search — the feature that lets you literally circle something on your Android phone’s screen to search it on Google — with a new ability to generate instructions on how to solve school math and physics problems .

Using an Android phone or tablet, students can now use Circle to Search to get AI assistance on mathematical word problems from their homework. The feature will help unpack the problem and list what the student needs to do to get the correct answer. According to Google, it won’t actually do the homework for you — only help you approach the problem.

Over the past year, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT has become a hot topic in the field of education, with plenty of concern over how students can and will use it to get work done quickly. Google, however, is explicitly positioning this as a feature to support education, potentially walking around some of the concerns about AI doing all of the work for students.

Later this year, Circle to Search will also gain the ability to solve complex math equations that involve formulas, diagrams, graphs, and more. Google is using LearnLM, its new AI model that’s fine-tuned for learning, to make the new Circle to Search abilities work.

Circle to Search first launched on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series in January and then on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro later the same month. It’s one of the star new features of Android, and although iOS users can’t yet circle their math homework for help, anything is possible .

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How-To Geek

Today's nyt connections hints and answer for may 14 (#338).

Mind the spoilers at the end!

Quick Links

What is connections, hints for today's connections groups, what are today's connections groups, today's nyt connections answers, how did we solve this connections game, how do you guess connections groups.

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

Connections is a game from the New York Times. The objective is simple: sort 16 words into groups of 4. Each group of words will be connected by some common idea or theme. That common element could be anything. We have seen everything from games that rely on the number of letters in the words to categories that require you to spot an extra letter at the end of the word. Sometimes they're references to economics, other times they reference fairy tales. There is no telling what sort of association there will be between words.

Once you're confident you understand the connection, select 4 words, then hit "Submit." You have only four attempts in total, so don't be too guess-happy.

Here are a few hints for the 338th Connections game to get you started:

Yellow: A first pass at something.
Green: Not English words.
Blue: Eat some food.
Purple: Eminem and a packaged thing of meat.

If you still need help, the actual group names are:

Yellow: Early Iteration
Green: Spanish Pronouns
Blue: Enjoy a Meal
Purple: Slim ____

Early Iteration (Yellow):

Draft, Outline, Plan, Sketch

Enjoy a Meal (Green):

Dine, Feast, Feed, Sup

Spanish Pronouns (Blue):

Ella, Me, Sus, Yo

Slim ____ (Purple):

Fit, Jim, Picking, Shady

May 14th wasn't too bad.

The first group I spotted was Yellow, "Early Iteration." I actually started with sketch in combination with shady and sus, since they can all indicate something that is undesirable or suspect. That didn't work, so I changed gears and considered sketch as in "to draw." That made draft, outline, and plan seem like good choices for the rest of the words, and they worked.

The next group I spotted consisted of ella, me, sus, and yo. This might be tough if you don't have any background in Spanish, but they're all different pronouns. Blue was "Spanish Pronouns."

With only 8 words left, it got easier. Feast, dine, and feed all refer to eating. Sup can also mean "to eat," though it isn't very common in contemporary English. That was the Green group, "Enjoy a Meal."

Once again, that left Purple: fit, jim, picking, shady. They were in the "Slim ____" group.

There is no quick, reliable way to approach Connections like there is with Wordle, since Connections isn't algorithmic. However, there are a few things to keep in mind that can help.

Look for similar parts of speech . Are some words verbs and others nouns? Are some adjectives? Try mentally grouping them based on those categories and see if any other patterns jump out at you.
Are the words synonyms? Sometimes categories will just be synonyms for a phrase, or very close to synonyms. Don't rely too closely on this, though. Occasionally, Connections will deliberately throw in words that are sometimes synonyms to mislead you.
Try saying the words. Sometimes, saying the words helps. One puzzle we saw included the words go, rate, faster, clip, pace, speed, move, commute, and hurry—all of which are obviously related to the idea of motion. However, when you say them, it becomes a little more obvious that only four (go, move, hurry, faster) are things you'd actually say to prompt someone to get moving.
Expect the red herring . Connections usually has words that could be plausibly, yet incorrectly, grouped together. Take the words Bud, Corona, and Light, as an example. You might instinctively see those three words together and assume they're lumped together in a category related to beer—but they weren't.
Look for distinct words. If a word on your board doesn't have multiple meanings or can really only be used in one context, try using that word as the basis for a category.
Shuffle the board. Sometimes, moving words around will help you look at them in new ways.

If you didn't solve this one, don't feel too bad—there's always tomorrow! And those words may align with a topic you're interested in, giving you a leg up on the competition.

Android's Circle to Search can now help students solve math and physics homework

G oogle has introduced another capability for its Circle to Search feature at the company's annual I/O developer conference, and it's something that could help students better understand potentially difficult class topics . The feature will now be able to show them step-by-step instructions for a "range of physics and math word problems." They just have to activate the feature by long-pressing the home button or navigation bar and then circling the problem that's got them stumped, though some math problems will require users to be signed up for Google's experimental Search Labs feature.

The company says Circle to Search's new capability was made possible by its new family of AI models called LearnLM that was specifically created and fine-tuned for learning. It's also planning to make adjustments to this particular capability and to roll out an upgraded version later this year that could solve even more complex problems "involving symbolic formulas, diagrams, graphs and more." Google launched Circle to Search earlier this year at a Samsung Unpacked event, because the feature was initially available on Galaxy 24, as well as on Pixel 8 devices. It's now also out for the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, Z Fold, Z Flip, Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 devices, and it'll likely make its way to more hardware in the future.

In addition to the new Circle to Search capability, Google has also revealed that devices that can support the Gemini for Android chatbot assistant will now be able to bring it up as an overlay on top of the application that's currently open. Users can then drag and drop images straight from the overlay into apps like Gmail, for instance, or use the overlay to look up information without having to swipe away from whatever they're doing. They can tap "Ask this video" to find specific information within a YouTube video that's open, and if they have access to Gemini Advanced, they can use the "Ask this PDF" option to find information from within lengthy documents.

Google is also rolling out multimodal capabilities to Nano, the smallest model in the Gemini family that can process information on-device. The updated Gemini Nano, which will be able to process sights, sounds and spoken language, is coming to Google's TalkBack screen reader later this year. Gemini Nano will enable TalkBack to describe images onscreen more quickly and even without an internet connection. Finally, Google is currently testing a Gemini Nano feature that can alert users while a call is ongoing if it detects common conversation patterns associated with scams. Users will be alerted, for instance, if they're talking to someone asking them for their PINs or passwords or to someone asking them to buy gift cards.

Catch up on all the news from Google I/O 2024 right here !

Android's Circle to Search can now help students solve math and physics homework

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Problem-solving Definition & Meaning
The meaning of PROBLEM-SOLVING is the process or act of finding a solution to a problem. How to use problem-solving in a sentence.
Problem solving
Definition. The term problem solving has a slightly different meaning depending on the discipline. For instance, it is a mental process in psychology and a computerized process in computer science. There are two different types of problems: ill-defined and well-defined; different approaches are used for each. Well-defined problems have specific ...
PROBLEM-SOLVING
PROBLEM-SOLVING definition: the process of finding solutions to problems: . Learn more.
PROBLEM-SOLVING definition
PROBLEM-SOLVING meaning: the process of finding solutions to problems: . Learn more.
The Problem-Solving Process
Problem-solving is a mental process that involves discovering, analyzing, and solving problems. The ultimate goal of problem-solving is to overcome obstacles and find a solution that best resolves the issue. The best strategy for solving a problem depends largely on the unique situation. In some cases, people are better off learning everything ...
What is Problem Solving? Steps, Process & Techniques
1. Define the problem. Diagnose the situation so that your focus is on the problem, not just its symptoms. Helpful problem-solving techniques include using flowcharts to identify the expected steps of a process and cause-and-effect diagrams to define and analyze root causes.. The sections below help explain key problem-solving steps.
Problem solving
problem solving: 1 n the thought processes involved in solving a problem Types: show 14 types... hide 14 types... enquiry , inquiry , research a search for knowledge calculation , computation , figuring , reckoning problem solving that involves numbers or quantities nature study the study of animals and plants in the natural world (usually at ...
PROBLEM-SOLVING definition and meaning
The act or process of finding solutions to problems, esp by using a scientific or analytical.... Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video.
The Problem-Solving Process
The Problem-Solving Process. Problem-solving is an important part of planning and decision-making. The process has much in common with the decision-making process, and in the case of complex decisions, can form part of the process itself. We face and solve problems every day, in a variety of guises and of differing complexity.
problem-solving noun
Definition of problem-solving noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. ... Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary app.
What is Problem Solving? (Steps, Techniques, Examples)
Definition and Importance. Problem solving is the process of finding solutions to obstacles or challenges you encounter in your life or work. It is a crucial skill that allows you to tackle complex situations, adapt to changes, and overcome difficulties with ease. Mastering this ability will contribute to both your personal and professional ...
What is Problem Solving
At its simplest, the meaning of problem-solving is the process of defining a problem, determining its cause, and implementing a solution. The definition of problem-solving is rooted in the fact that as humans, we exert control over our environment through solutions. We move forward in life when we solve problems and make decisions.
What Are Problem-Solving Skills? Definition and Examples
Problem-Solving Skills Definition. Problem-solving skills are the ability to identify problems, brainstorm and analyze answers, and implement the best solutions. An employee with good problem-solving skills is both a self-starter and a collaborative teammate; they are proactive in understanding the root of a problem and work with others to ...
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Problem Definition & Meaning
problem: [noun] a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution. a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something to be done.
Algebraic word problems
Solving algebraic word problems requires us to combine our ability to create equations and solve them. To solve an algebraic word problem: Define a variable. Write an equation using the variable. Solve the equation. If the variable is not the answer to the word problem, use the variable to calculate the answer.
Art of Problem Solving
Word problem. A word problem is a problem posed in plain language, as opposed to a problem with only "math" (equations, diagrams, graphs, etc.). Word problems are based on a contextualized scenario, often from real-life.
PROBLEM Definition & Meaning
Problem definition: any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.. See examples of PROBLEM used in a sentence.
Word problem (mathematics education)
Word problem from the Līlāvatī (12th century), with its English translation and solution. In science education, a word problem is a mathematical exercise (such as in a textbook, worksheet, or exam) where significant background information on the problem is presented in ordinary language rather than in mathematical notation.As most word problems involve a narrative of some sort, they are ...
Word problems in mathematics education: a survey
Word problems are among the most difficult kinds of problems that mathematics learners encounter. Perhaps as a result, they have been the object of a tremendous amount research over the past 50 years. This opening article gives an overview of the research literature on word problem solving, by pointing to a number of major topics, questions, and debates that have dominated the field. After a ...
Word Problems
Definition of a Word Problem: Before you start to solve word problems, it is important to understand what a word problem is. A word problem is a mathematical exercise which is in the form of a hypothetical question that needs mathematical analysis and equations to be solved. A good way to solve word problems is by using the method called ...
Mathway
Free math problem solver answers your algebra homework questions with step-by-step explanations.
"Problem-Solving" Or "Problem Solving"? Learn If It Is Hyphenated
It's grammatically correct to use "problem solving" at the end of a sentence or clause without a hyphen. However, as we stated above, many people are beginning to prefer the ease of sticking to the hyphenated spelling, meaning that it's slowly phasing out of existence even in this form. I'm good at problem solving.
PROBLEMATIZATION
PROBLEMATIZATION definition: 1. the act of treating an idea, belief, word, etc. as a problem that needs to be examined or…. Learn more.
Math Word Problems
Welcome to the math word problems worksheets page at Math-Drills.com! On this page, you will find Math word and story problems worksheets with single- and multi-step solutions on a variety of math topics including addition, multiplication, subtraction, division and other math topics. It is usually a good idea to ensure students already have a strategy or two in place to complete the math ...
Sigma Slang Definition: What Does 'Sigma' Mean?
Another definition for "sigma" says Lindsay, is "the best." ... math problems (to solve) with an online game," he says, adding that in his classroom, "Sigma is going strong." ...
Google's Circle to Search will help you with your math homework
Google's Circle to Search will help you with your math homework / Circle to Search on Android can now help students learn to solve mathematical word problems thanks to Google's new LearnLM model.
Today's NYT Connections Hints and Answer for May 14 (#338)
The objective is simple: sort 16 words into groups of 4. Each group of words will be connected by some common idea or theme. That common element could be anything. We have seen everything from games that rely on the number of letters in the words to categories that require you to spot an extra letter at the end of the word.
Thursday, May 16 2024 (#1062)
Next time, if you prefer some assistance solving today's Wordle puzzle, our Wordle solver will help you find possible answers. We also have an archive with all the past Wordle answers , as well as a dedicated Wordle hints page that updates every day.
Android's Circle to Search can now help students solve math and ...
The feature will now be able to show them step-by-step instructions for a "range of physics and math word problems." They just have to activate the feature by long-pressing the home button or ...

Overview of the Problem-Solving Mental Process

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Identifying the Problem

2. Defining the Problem

3. Forming a Strategy

4. Organizing Information

5. Allocating Resources

6. Monitoring Progress

7. Evaluating the Results

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The Problem-Solving Process

1. Define the Problem

2. Analyze the Problem

3. Generate Potential Solutions

4. Select Best Solution

5. Take Action

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What is Problem Solving? (Steps, Techniques, Examples)

What Is Problem Solving?

Problem-Solving Steps

Defining the Problem

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Problem-Solving Techniques

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What Is Problem-Solving?

Identify The Problem:

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