5 BENEFITS OF USING A PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACH IN MATHEMATICS!

The subject cannot exist without the existence of problems in mathematics. Mathematics is all about finding solutions to problems in a systematic way. Adopting a problem-solving approach to solve maths problems develops the ability to think, crack and get solutions easily.

Students often get maths assignments as a part of their curriculum. Being a complex subject, they face many difficulties in solving them and therefore seek assignment helpWhile working on mathematics assignments, there can be major benefits if students adopt a problem-solving approach. Maths is not just about mugging up the formulas; rather, it needs tricks to solve the problems faster.

Let us first discuss the steps involved in Problem Solving –

1. Identify the problem – The students must go through the question twice or thrice and clearly identify and define the problem. It should be written in simple easy to understand words.

2. Explore the problem – Once identified next, you have to analyze it to determine what needs to be done to solve it. Study the facts and figures and explore the possibilities.

3. Prepare proposition – There may be various reasons behind the occurrence of the problem. Based on it, try to figure out the closest possible solution to the problem.

4. Check your hypothesis – You must use the right method to test whether your hypothesis is correct or not. If it does not fit the problem, you must prepare another one and repeat the same with it.

5. Verification – When you have reached a solution, do not accept it without verifying. They must validate the results and generalize them to use them in their everyday routines.

Also Read: What Do PMP Certified Professionals Do?

Let us now discuss five major benefits of problem-solving in mathematics –

1. Students start enjoying maths – With the adoption of the problem-solving approach in mathematics, students can understand the core of the problem. Moreover, as they proceed through solving the problem, they become more curious to reach the solution. Therefore, the whole process becomes engaging, and those students who always fear maths and tend to run away from its start enjoying it. 

2. Develop thinking and reasoning power – Students have to apply reason at each step of problem-solving. They have to carry on with every step by relating the problem to a logical reason and applying the correct formulas and concepts in the right places. This highly improves their thinking and reasoning power and prepares them to solve higher-level problems.

3. Develop mathematical thinking – While solving each problem, students have to concentrate on exploring mathematical ideas. The more they learn about different mathematical concepts, the more they start thinking mathematically. Eventually, they will develop a sense that they can easily apply the maths they have learned in solving different mathematical problems without any hesitation.

4. Power to solve problems – Once the students can get the mathematical power with problem-solving, they can apply it to solve different hypothetical problems or even problems that may arise during their daily lives. The students learn to explore the world of mathematics and have the confidence to accept challenges to test their knowledge and understanding of problem-solving.

5. Promotes self-learning – Problem-solving in mathematics serves as a mechanism that provides students with ownership of their learning. It improves students’ engagement in solving complex problems by themselves. They can work at their own pace and decide the procedure to be followed in solving the problem. They need not stick to a specific answer but can explore the whole world of possibilities.

Problem-solving is a fundamental part of mathematics as it goes beyond usual maths. It prepares the students to handle challenges easily and apply logical reasoning to reach the solution rather than just relying on memorization.