Problem solving is very difficult if you do not understand the problem first. Without an understanding of the problem is like having a combination to a lock without knowing how to use the combination to open the lock. Therefore, to solve a problem you must understand the problem first. Here are some strategies you could use to understand a problem:

• Incubation ¨C the process of letting the brain sort through the information gathered from the problem.
  
  
• Working backwards ¨C a process of using a random imaginary solution, whether a number, literal, or anything of your choosing, to uncover what steps are needed to reach that particular solution. In other words, by using that random solution, you could then examine what steps you would take to reach it.
  
  
• Representing the problem in an illustration.
  
  
• Looking at the problem in a different perspective
  
  

We use incubation as a method for making room for new thoughts, ideas, and information about how you could solve the problem. Incubation is a process of allowing the brain to sort through information gathered from the problem. Once sorted, information becomes clear and allows for an easier understanding of the problem. To use incubation, first gather information about what the problem is asking. Get a clear understanding of what skills are needed or might be useful for solving the problem. Then rest for at least 5 minutes by getting away from the problem completely.

Working backwards allows you to know what steps you could use to arrive to the solution. Working backwards is just imagining that you already know the solution to the problem. To use this strategy, first you pick a random value or literal to be a solution. Then you must think about what steps you would use to arrive to that solution

Representing the problem in an illustration gives you a much more clear understanding of what the problem is asking and how you should go about solving it. Drawing sketches or doodles is an efficient way of representing the problem in an illustration.

Finally, looking at the problem in a different perspective is another great strategy for problem solving. By looking at the problem in different viewpoint, you could gain more information about the problem for an easier understanding. To look at the problem in different perspective, you could try altering the problem itself. Here are a few alterations you could use:

• Substitution ¨C replacing elements in what the problem asking with some element of your choosing. Elements could include questions, numbers, literals, etc.
  
  
• Inverse ¨C doing the exact opposite of what the problem is asking for.
  
  

In order to solve problems, it is important that you understand the problem first. Use these strategies to help you in learning about the problem.

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