The example below shows that the problem solving process is the same for puzzles (story problems) and for problems based on subject matter. Using concept driven problem solving assures reliable use of ideas and mathematics.

The answer book solution to this problem illustrates quite dramatically the reason students are trained to be poor problem solvers.

This presentation of a solution expects the student to do mentally much of the processing which is actually displayed in the SureMath solution. The work done in the longer solution presentation is also done in the abbreviated solution. In the longer presentation everything is acutally shown. In the short presentation much is hidden. It is not at all surprising that students learn to be poor problem solvers.

The problem solution was developed using SureMath.
Copyright 1995 Howard C. McAllister