INTRODUCTION TO
PROBLEM SOLVING
Course credits: 3
45 hours
Olivia University Bujumbura
Presented by
Alvareze Ntafatiro, Msc
INTRODUCTION
Problem have always existed We don’t generally need a computer to
solve them But, the computer often makes problem solving easier and
faster. This is because the computer is a useful tool for solving
problems
There are many ways to classify problems
For example: Easy vs. Difficult Mathematical vs. non- mathematical
Another way to classify problems is by their answers or solutions
INTRODUCTION
The Various Types of Problems
Problems with well- defined solutions
“How do you bake a cake?” The solution (of course) – “Follow a recipe”
Problems with many solutions
“What should I do tonight?” Some possible solutions
Do my homework
Go to the library
Go fishing Watch TV
Visit a friend at home?”
Problems with an optimal (or best) solution
“How much tin should be used for a can to hold apple juice?”
There are many solutions – The best solution – “Use a can that uses the smallest amount of tin while holding the most juice
Problems with no solution The problem –ancestors do you have?” The solution – ?????? A “No” solution will mean a solution
that today we cannot verify as true or false
What’s a problem
Generally a problem is
a situation, question, or condition that presents uncertainty,
difficulty, or a challenge that needs to be addressed, resolved, or
overcome.
A problem is a situation or question that is difficult to deal with or
understand. It can be an unsatisfactory circumstance that causes
difficulties for people, or a puzzle that requires logical thought or
mathematics to solve
What’s a problem (in computing)
In computing, a problem is
a task or a set of tasks that requires a computational solution. It
involves processing data and generating a desired outcome
through a series of well-defined steps or algorithms.
a problem refer to a specific task or question that can be solved
through computational methods using a computer or a
programming language.It's often a well-defined challenge with a
outcome to.
What’s a problem
Examples
Example:You're planning a party for your friends,but you're
not sure how many people will come.This problem require
you to figure out a way to estimate the number of guests.
You want to host a dinner party for 10 people, but you only
have enough seating for 6. The problem here is how to
accommodate all your guests comfortably.
What’s a problem (in computing)
Examples
You need to sort a large list of names alphabetically.This problem
requires design an algorithm (a set of instructions) to efficiently
arrange the names in alphabetical order using a computer
program.
Given a list of integers, find the maximum value in the list. The
problem here is to determine the highest number in a dataset,
which can be solved using an algorithm to iterate through the list
and compare values.
What is problem solving?
In simple terms, problem solving is a process of
working through the details of a problem to reach
a solution. Defining a problem includes the
following seven steps of problem solving.
Problem solving is in fact the basis of computing because the computer was designed
with the purpose of solving real-life the problem
Seven Steps involved in Problem
Solving
1. Define and Identify the origin of the problem
2. Analyze the Problem
3. Identifying Possible Solutions
4. Selecting the Best Solutions
5. Evaluating Solutions
6. Develop an Action Plan
7. Implement the Solution
Step 1: Define and Identify the
problem
Write down a statement which summarizes
the problem.
This statement may be long if the problem is complex.
Set a goal for solving the problem.
Example: The computer will boot up but immediately turn
itself off. When the problem is solved the computer will
be usable
Step 2 Analyze the Problem
Ask these questions:
How long has the problem been going on?
What are the causes of the problem?
What are the effects and symptoms of the problem?
Are there multiple steps to solving this specific
problem?
Step 3: Identifying Possible
Solutions
Brainstorming
Those working to solve the problem should come up
with as many solutions as possible.
Often one person’s ideas may spur the ideas of others.
All ideas should be written down to evaluate later.
Step 4: Selecting the Best
Solutions
In this step use the brainstormed list of possible
solutions.
Discuss each of the possible solutions and why they
may or may not work.
Select the most feasible solution.
Step 4: Selecting the Best
Solutions
In this step use the brainstormed list of possible
solutions.
Discuss each of the possible solutions and why they
may or may not work.
Select the most feasible solution.
Step 5: Evaluating Solutions
Make a T chart with pros of the solution on one side
and the cons on the other.
Ask these questions after making the T Chart:
What are the advantages of each solution?
Are there any disadvantages to the solution?
Do disadvantages outweigh advantages?
Would the solution actually solve the problem?
Step 6: Develop an Action Plan
Make a step by step plan which should include:
Tasks, what is to be done
Estimated time to complete each task
Who will do each task
When this plan is complete post it where it will be seen.
Step 7: Implement the Solution
Follow the steps in the Action Plan
If things start to get complicated make a three column
chart:
What could go wrong?
How can you prevent this from happening?
How will we fix it if something does go wrong?
Evaluate results:
Is the problem solved?
Common Mistakes in Problem
Solving
The problem is not well
Individuals or groups
defined or there is denial jump to unwarranted
that the problem exists. conclusions.
Goals are not clearly
Individuals or groups
defined. are afraid
Opinions, emotions, to make mistakes.
feelings, and self-interest
interfere
with objective thinking.
