ABSTRACT
Problem solving could be introduced as a separate entity, but it is better to blend it into the topics being covered. George Polya, who wrote How to Solve It, presents four steps for problem solving: understand the problem, make a plan for solving the problem based on data and ideas given, carry out the plan, and look back at the solution. The literature on problem solving contains several outlines of steps to use to solve problems. Examination of the steps shows that almost all of them are extensions of the ones presented by Polya. Typically students will say they did not think of using part of a side to join the shapes. Effective problem solving requires open-minded approaches from teachers and students. The mathematics involves finding areas and computing how much paint, carpet, or wall paper is needed to do the job. The ability to generate ideas is important to the overall process of becoming a problem solver.
