Solving Problems

Abstract

Many students try to solve problems by staring at the statement of the problem until they can see the solution. This kind of strategy works tolerably well with problems for which a standard method of solution exists. If you spot the relevant method then all you have to do is apply it, and if most of the problems you have met in the past simply involved using a standard method then it might seem reasonable to try to apply this strategy to all the problems that you face in future.