ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly, we would like to acknowledge with thanks the assistance of GOD in

the preparation of this assignment. We are nothing without HIS great blessings for
complete this assignment. On the hand, we are also would like to thank our
honorable Numerical Literacy lecturer Mrs Raha Binti Yahya who gave us a lot of
guidance and make our aware of the probability on cars model. Although she is busy
with her other works, she also able to spend time with us for explains the questions
that we asked regarding this assignment. She inspire us to do a better assignment
on probability. We were really respecting her contribution on finishing this
assignment successfully.

Simultaneously, we would also like to thank to the classmate who gave us a

lot of information on how design the object. They give our some guidance to prepare
a good and quality assignment. We also not forget the contribution of the staff from
all the departments especially library department of our college for providing us
Internet service to search information.

Besides that, many of our friends did the same topic as their assignment
tasks. They are really helpful to our by exchanging the information and materials that
they found for them. We always will respect their kindness. We also very thankful to
our parents who always like to give the moral supports and make our to be confident
by mentally and physically.

We hope we will get the same ways of contribution from everybody In other
assignments. We always will remember the contribution that they gave for finish this
assignment. Thank you.

1
APPRECIATION

First of all, we would like to thank to my God, because of Him we could done
our task successfully without any trouble and problem. We hope our work that we
have done on time will be accept by our lecturer.

We would like to thank to our lecturer, Mrs Raha Binti Yahya who had taught
and shows us how to complete this task correctly. We really appreciate it. We also
want to thank to our lovely parents. They sacrificed their time, money and energy to
help us finish this task. They also gave us a moral support to complete this task
without any problem and difficulties. Without them we didn’t know what will happen
to us, maybe until now we didn’t finish this task yet.

Not forgetting to our friends who had helped us with giving their ideas and
information to us. They also spent their time to discuss about this task together and
find the solution of the hard problems.

At last but not least, thank you for all who are willing to spend your valuable
times to help us completed this task. We hope anyone who read this task will always
be happy and understand what we want to carried out in this task. Finally, we hope
this task reader will enjoy reading it. Thank you.

2
INTRODUCTION

Problem solving is one of the main emphasis in our current mathematics curriculum
because it is an essential mathematical process.Mastering the skills in solving
problem is important in determining the well being of an individual.In
addition,engagement in solving mathematical problems can be fun.As a good
problem solver,we need to know that the process of solving problems can enhance
our student’s understanding of mathematical concepts.This is due to the fact that
students need to generate new ideas by integrating existing ideas when solving a
problem.Moreover,problem solving can help our students to develop and improve
their higher-order thinking skills.Problem solving also can help to boost students
confidence in doing mathematics.Therefore,it is vital for us to build a repertoire of
problem solving strategies.

In generally,problems can be classified as routine and non routine problems.A

routine problem is one that merely requires us to apply some known
procedures,usually involving arithmetic operation to get the solution.While,non
routine problems are problems that not have any standard procedures for solving
it.We need to create a new procedures to solve the problems.

We need to apply polya’s model for problem solving strategies.There are four steps
process for solving problems.The four steps are:

1.Understand the problem

2.Devise a plan
3.Carry out the plan
4.Look back

There are many strategies for solve the problems such as guess and check,make a
table,use algebra,make a diagram,look for pattern and many more.We should apply
the suitable strategy for each problems so that we can get the accurate and correct
answer.We should able to classify the differences between the strategies.

3
QUESTION 1

Jacinski’s Hardware has a number of bikes and tricycles for sale.There are 27 seats
and 60 wheels all together.Determine how many bikes there are and how many
tricyles there are.

FIRST PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY: LOOK FOR A PATTERN

UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

Jacinski’s Hardware have a total number of bikes and tricyles.There are 27 seats
and 60 wheels all together.Bikes have two wheels,while tricycles have three wheels.

DEVISE A PLAN

Use look for a pattern problem solving strategy to solve this kind problem.Make a
table and list out all the possible number of pattern of the bikes and tricycles where
the outcomes give 27 seats and 60 wheels.

CARRY OUT THE PLAN

Number of bikes Number of tricycles Number of seats Total number of wheels

18 9 27 (18×2)+(9×3)=63
19 8 27 (19×2)+(8×3)=62
20 7 27 (20×2)+(7×3)=61
21 6 27 (21×2)+(6×3)=60

Look for pattern for number of bikes Look for pattern for number of tricycles

18 19 20 21 9 8 7 6

(increase by one) (decrease by one)

ANSWER:21 bikes and 6 tricycles which is gives 27 seats and 60 wheels.

4
LOOK BACK

number of bikes : 21,number of tricycles : 6

number of total wheels= (21×2)+(6×3) number of total seats= (21+6)

= (42 + 18) = 27 seats

= 60 wheels

5
SECOND PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY: DRAW A DIAGRAM

UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

Jacinski’s Hardware have a total number of bikes and tricyles.There are 27 seats
and 60 wheels all together.Bikes have two wheels,while tricycles have three wheels.

DEVISE A PLAN

To solve this problem,use draw a diagram as solving strategy.First,draw 27 circles

which represent 27 seats.Then draw line which represent one line to one
wheel.Following are steps to solve this problem:

First step: Draw 27 circles

Second step: Draw two lines to each circle
Third step: Draw third line at each circle until the total line of all 27 circles become 60
lines.
Last step: Calculate the total number of circles which have two lines and three lines.

CARRY OUT THE PLAN

ANSWER:21 circles have two line,while 6 circles have three lines

6
LOOK BACK

number of circles which have 2 lines: 21, number of circles which have 3 lines: 6

number of total wheels= (21×2)+(6×3) number of total seats= (21+6)

= (42 + 18) = 27 seats

= 60 wheels

7
JUSTIFICATION FOR PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES IN QUESTION 1

THE EFFICIENT PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY: DRAW A DIAGRAM

In question 1,we had applied two strategies for solving problem.The first strategy
was look for pattern.The second strategy was draw a diagram.We choose the
second strategy as the best and efficient strategy for solve the question 1.We
choose the draw a diagram as best strategy compare to look for pattern strategy
because with drawing we able to understang easily.A diagram can represents the
problems in each question.We no need to take long time to solve question using look
for pattern.We can easily understand by drawing a diagram like what we applied in
question 1 by using draw a diagram strategy.We just draw a circle that represent
seat and line for wheel.Just follow the simple steps to get the correct answer without
wasting time.

8
QUESTION 2

In three bowling games,Lily scored 139,143 and 144.What score will she need in a
fourth game in order to have an average score 145 for all four games?

FIRST PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY: USE ALGEBRA

UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

Lily need an average score of 145 for all four games.She had played three games
which she had scored 139,143 and 144 in each games.Fourth game score can be
find with using the three scores of games and average score.

DEVISE A PLAN

To solve the problem,use algebra strategy.Let x as unknown score for fourth game
score.The average score will be the sum of of 139.143,144 and x divided by four
which gives 145.

CARRY OUT THE PLAN

Let x = fourth game score

Sum of all games score = 145

4

139+143+144+x = 145
4

139+143+144+x = 145 × 4
426 + x = 580
x = 580 - 426
x = 154, ANSWER is 154 for fourth game score

9
LOOK BACK

Replace x,with 154 and solve the equation

139+143+144+154
4
=145(average score)

10
SECOND PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY: MAKE A TABLE

UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

Lily need an average score of 145 for all four games.She had played three games
which she had scored 139,143 and 144 in each games.Fourth game score can be
find with using the three scores of games and average score.

DEVISE A PLAN

Use make a table strategy to solve this problem.Try to find what is the away score
for each games from the average sore 145.Fill the table with the information which
are the away score from average and other information.

CARRY OUT THE PLAN

Game Score Score away from Total away from

average average
1 139 -6 -6
2 143 -2 -8
3 144 -1 -9
4 x x x

So,on fourth game we need to add 9 over average score to find fourth game score.

145+9

=154,answer for fourth game score

11
LOOK BACK

Fourth game score=145 + 9

= ANSWER is154 score

139+43+144+154
4

580 = 145 is average score if fourth game score is 154

4

12
JUSTIFICATION FOR PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES IN QUESTION 2

THE EFFICIENT PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY: USE ALGEBRA

For question 2,we had applied use algebra strategy and make a table strategy.The
best strategy for this question is use algebra strategy. Use algebra strategy is the
most efficient strategy among the other strategies.The strategy of use algebra is
most often used with other strategies.Using algebra is one way of simplifying the
problem solving process.The information that given in the problem can be replaced
with variables like x,y and z.Replacing the information with algebras help us to easily
understand the problem.We can create an equation using algebras and can relate
the equation with the problem.We had the replace the fourth score with unknown x
and relate the equation with the average score.By using the algebra method we can
get the most accurate answer than the make a table strategy answer.

13
QUESTION 3

A camera and case together cost RM 110.If the camera costs RM 100 more than the
case,how much does the case cost?

FIRST PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY: GUESS AND CHECK

UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

The cost of camera with it’s case is RM 110.Camera cost RM 100 more than it’s
case.The cost of case must be below RM 10.

DEVISE A PLAN

Use guess and check strategy to solve this problem.When,the cost of the case is
replaced by RM 10,RM 9,RM 8,RM 7,RM 6,RM 5 the cost of camera must be more
than RM 100 than cost of case.And the total cost of camera and case must be RM
110.Fill the table with the information to solve the problem.

14
CARRY OUT THE PLAN

Cost of case(RM) Cost of camera(RM) Total cost of camera and

case(RM)
10 110 120
9 109 118
8 108 116
7 107 114
6 106 112
5 105 110

If the cost of case is RM 5 and the cost of camera will be RM 105,which is RM 100
more than cost of case.

ANSWER: Cost of case is RM 5.

LOOK BACK

When guess that the cost of case is RM 5,then the cost of camera will be RM 105
which RM 100 more than cost of case.Finally,the total cost of case and camera gives
RM 110.

SECOND PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY: USE ALGEBRA

15
UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

The cost of camera with it’s case is RM 110.Camera cost RM 100 more than it’s
case.The cost of case must be below RM 10.

DEVISE A PLAN

To solve this problem use algebra strategy.Use simultaneous equation to solve this
problem.Let x as camera cost,while y as case cost.Try to create two equation using
the algebra x,y and the total cost of both camera and case.Create two equation
using the information given to solve by simultaneous equation.

CARRY OUT THE PLAN

First equation: x + y = 110 1

Second equation: x= 100 + y 2

1 x = 110 – y

1 equation: x = 110 –y
(-) (-)
2 equation: x = 100+ y

1 equation - 2 equation= 10 – 2y

2y= 10

y= 5,answer is RM 5 for the case

LOOK BACK

Replace RM 5 with y at first equation: x + y = 110

16
 x + 5 =110
x = 105

Camera cost is RM 105 which is RM 100 more than case cost RM 5

JUSTIFICATION FOR PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES IN QUESTION 3

17
THE EFFICIENT PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY: GUESS AND CHECK

Guess and check is the more suitable strategy for problem in question 3 compare to
use algebra strategy.We can list out all the guess that we think logic answers for the
problem.Then,we can check the answer by calculate the values.In this question.we
realised that the cost of camera must more than RM 100 from cost of case.So,the
cost of case must be below RM 10.We can guess the cost of case and we should
noticed that the cost of camera must more than RM 100 from it’s case.This guess
and check is easier way than use algebra because using algebra needs to replace
the unknown values with variables and create a equation.The calculation also will be
long and need to relate the equation with the problem.So,no need to waste time and
energy by using algebra method for this question.

SELECTION OF THE EFFICIENT PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY

18
The best and more efficient problem solving strategy that we choose is USE
ALGEBRA method.Algebra strategy was choosen by us among the other problem
solving strategies that we had applied in solving the three non routine problems.We
had applied two problem solving strategies in each non routine question.Finally we
had decide that use algebra strategy is more efficient than other strategies.

JUSTIFICATION ON THE EFFICIENT PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY

Use algebra strategy is the most efficient strategy among the other strategies.The
strategy of use algebra is most often used with other strategies.Using algebra is one
way of simplifying the problem solving process.The information that given in the
problem can be replaced with variables like x,y and z.Replacing the information with
algebras help us to easily understand the problem.We can create an equation using
algebras and can relate the equation with the problem.

JUSTIFICATION OF USE ALGEBRA STRATEGY

19
EASY TO UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

Using this kind of strategy can make us to easily understand the problem.We able to
list out all the information if replace the information or values with algebras.We no
need to waste time with read the problem many times.If compare with other
strategy,this method is more efficient and can make problem solvers to understand
easily the problem.

GIVE ACCURATE AND CORRECT ANSWER

We solve problems to find the answer.But,answer that we want find must be

accurate and correct.Using the algebra method we can get the accurate answer for
mathematical problems.If compare with guess and check strategy we have to take
long time to find the answer and we might don’t know whether the answer accurate
or not.

SIMPLER THE PROBLEM

This method is more efficient and easy way to solve problems.We can simplify the
problem into many simpler problem using the algebras.Using algebras can help us to
create many simple equation from a long equation or problems.We can relate the
equation with the problem given.This simple way is easy to us find the answer using
variables

CREATION OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM

20
The numbers in the big circles are found by adding the numbers in two adjacent
smaller circles as shown.Complete the second diagram so that the same pattern
holds.

FIRST DIAGRAM

2 6

14 12 18

SECOND DIAGRAM

16

11 15

SOLUTION USING SUGGESTED STRATEGY

21
PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY: USE ALGEBRA

UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

If we add the the two numbers in the small circles we must get the answer for the big
circle.For example in diagram 1,if we add two adjacent numbers in small circle we
can get the number for big circle.If we add 2 and 12,we get 14,which is the number
for big circle.So,we must add two small circle number to get big circle number.

DEVISE A PLAN

To solve problem such as this,we can use algebra strategy.We can replace the
unknown values in small circles with algebras like x,y and z.These method can make
us to understand the problem easily.We can create three equation using the
information given and the algebras.We can relate the equation each other because
the small circles in the diagram depend on each others.We can using simultaneous
equation to solve this problem.

16

x y

z
11 15

CARRY OUT THE PLAN

22
 16

x y

11 z
15

x + z = 11 1st equation

x + y = 16 2nd equation

z + y = 15 3rd equation

add all three equation

x + z = 11

x + y = 16 (+)

z + y = 15

2x + 2y + 2z = 42

simplify the equation

2x + 2y + 2z = 42

23
x + y + z = 21 final equation

since x + y = 16 subtitute into final equation

16 + z = 21

z = 21 – 16

z=5

since x + z = 11 subtitute z with 5

x + 5 = 11

x = 11- 5

x=6

since z + y = 15 subtitute z with 5

5 + y = 15

y = 15 – 5

y = 10

ANSWER: Therefore the unknown numbers in smaller circles are 5 (z),6(x) and
10(y).

LOOK BACK

24
Replace x = 6, y = 10, z = 5 in diagram,then add the values in adjacent circles.The
sum of the values in small circles are the values for big circle.

16

6 10

11 5 15

Check the answers

1. 6 + 5 = 11 2. 6 + 10 = 16 3. 10 + 5 = 15

REFLECTION

25
 I’m Ponggiannan S/O Ganasan would like to take this great opportunity to share
my experience doing this numerical literacy assignment. I have good and bad times
while finishing this task. I would like to thank the God because gave me such a
wonderful chance to improve my knowledge on problem solving skills.

Good guidance of our lecture, Pn.Raha Yahya an essential one for our task. She
will always listen to our problems patiently and gave us the explanation with her own
way. She really makes us work with this task smoothly without much pressure. I
really appreciate her with my whole heart with as she shares her previous time in
clearing my doubts upon completing this task. Her encouragements produce self-
confidence in me to proceed with the task. I can still recall the hasting moments
where I really struggled a lot in understanding some concepts of problem solving
skills.

We are divided into several groups to present our tasks. I worked together with
my group members S.Karthik,Mugeshini and Amuthevali to produce an effective
work. We are four given a topic two weeks before to prepare our task. I did not felt
hard to work with my group members because I have been worked with them before
this. My last experience with them helps me to move smoothly among the group
members to finish up my task.

We took two weeks to complete this assignment. We faced many problems when
we conduct this assignment. Such as finding notes, friends cooperation, time
management and the list goes on. Our lecturer’s guideline were very helpful to
complete this assignment in time. From this assignment we got a lot of knowledge
about the Polya’s Model of Problem Solving and Problem Solving Strategy. Apart
from that, I also learn the mathematics skills in problem solving and techniques of
problem solving.

Lastly, I would like to thank to my Numerical Literacy lecturer Pn.Raha Bt Yahya

and also my thanks to my friends.
REFLECTION

26
 My Mathematics’ lecturer Pn. Raha Yahya gave us a group assignment
which is about problem solving strategies and non routine problems. In group of four
we discussed about the assignment. My lecturer also helped us and give us full
support to do this assignment. He also gave some idea and corrected our mistakes
besides motivate us by his words.

After we discussed in group, we started to search information from many

sources. For example, we searched in handout, internet, and magazines. We also
searched in many revision books about problem solving skills and non routine
problems which required in this assignment. We search thoroughly and specifically
about non routine and solve using problem solving strategies.

By doing this assignment, I can clearly understand the meaning of Polya’s

model and problem solving strategies. I was also able to clarify my confusions on the
types of routine and non routine problems in a mathematics question. In addition, I
also identified many strategies to solve non routine problems.

When we did this assignment in groups, we were able to understand each

other very well and were able to divide our woks in balance. We co-operated very
well and everyone was very helpful to one another when we did our Numerical
Literacy assignment in groups.

Last but not least, we thank to everybody who kind heartedly lend their hand
to do this assignment completely and successfully. I like to use this golden
opportunity to thank and everybody especially my lecturer, and my classmates for
their support and help.

.................................................
KARTHIK S/O SELVAKUMARAN

REFLECTION

27
 I’m Mugeshini D/O Krisna Rao would like to thank the God because gave me
such a chance to improve my knowledge on students discipline management. In
group of four we discussed about the assignment which is about problem solving.
Our Lecturer,Puan Raha Yahya also helped us and gives full support to our group to
do this assignment. Furthermore, she also gave some idea and corrects our
mistakes that made in our assignment

Firstly, I try to understand more about the non routine question. Then, I planed work
to get the information various source I searched it from internet and mathematic
reference books in library. After that we collect all the information we got from many
resources.

Me with my friends Ponggi,Karthik and Amuthevali work as a group to finish this

assignment. By finishing this assignment, we also had chance to know about us.
This assignment helped us to build our team work. With all our co-operation we
successfully finished this assignment.

I have learnt many useful information and details about problem solving strategies in
non routine problems. I have learnt how to apply many problem solving strategies to
finished this task.

By using this golden opportunity to thank and apologize to everybody especially my

lecturer, and my classmates if any mistaken that I have made.Thank you.

REFLECTION

28
 In order to finish this task, Me,Amuthevali D/O Rajoo and my friends faced many
troubles. First,we could not find non routine problems. So we tried to find another
way. We tried to find the problems by refer to our lecturer,Puan Raha Yahya
handouts.Finally,we identify three non routine problems.

We also could not find the best strategy that must used to solve the problem.
So we decided to list out all problem solving strategies and justify each one to
identify the most efficient strategy.

Beside that, we were also confused when we start doing this task because of
the question. We could not understand what was the task all about. We are glad to
have Puan Raha bt Yahya as our Numerical Literacy lecturer.

She was really helpful and guiding us throughout our assignment. He was
always giving us new information and suggesting ways how we can tackle the task
easily in a shorter period of time. We are very proud of him and we hope that we can
do the same for the other assignments in future.

From this assignment, I learnt a lot about problem solving skills and non routine
problems. This is a good opportunity given to me to plan the future ahead better and
steady.

In conclusion, I satisfied with what I and my friends,Ponggi,Karthik and

Mugeshini have done and we are happy that we finished the task successfully on
time. Thank you once again for those who have helped us.

Topic Of Discussion Comments Signature

Date

29
8/3/2010 Receiving assignment question and briefing -explain about assigement
from subject’s lecturer Mrs Raha Binti Yahya

10/3/2010 Understanding the assignment question. Group -Dividing works

discussion -Work schedule

13/3/2010 Search for information in the internet/ library. -Printing information from the
Get help from friends internet
-Short notes
-bibliography

17/3/2010 Preparing draft with group members -Arrange the information

-Analysis of information
according to assignment need
-Giving relevant information
-Giving details elaboration
-Draft typing

22/3/2010 Submitting sub-assignment/draft. Checking and -Correcting mistakes

discussion with lecturer. -Arranging information

25/3/2010 Discuss with group members to correct the -Correct the spelling
mistakes in draft -Rearrange the information
according in order
-Elaborate the explanations
-Correct the way of writing
bibliography

30/3/2010 Submit sub-assignment work/ send other draft -Correction has been done
to lecturer -All information are complete
-All necessary documents have
been attached.

1/4/2010 Submit the complete assignment to the lecturer -Task has been arrange in
correct order

COLLABORATION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

30
1.http://rhlschool.com

2.Max A. Sobel, Evan M. Malestsky (1970), Teaching Mathematics A Sourcebook

of Aids, Activities and Strategies, Second Education, Prentice – Hall

3.Rick Billstein, Shlomo Libeskind (2004), A Problem Solving Approach to

Mathematics, Pearson Education

4.McGraw-Hill (2002), Mathematics Level 9, McGraw-Hill School Division

5.McGraw-Hill (2002), Mathematics Level 5, McGraw-Hill School Division

CONCLUSION

31
 Through this assignment, we can get more information about the problem
solving strategies and non routine problems.There are many problem solving
strategies skills that we can used to solve each mathematical problemsThe concept
of polya’s model problem solving is very useful in our daily life. We can use this
concept to teach our students in the future.

We need to apply the concept of polya’s model in order to solve the non
routine problems in this assignment. This shows that we really understand the
concept of polya’s model which have four steps.We need to relate the concept of
polya’s model with the problem solving strategy. As a teacher, we are encouraged
to give examples which are familiar with the students. This helps the students to
concentrate and pay attention during the lesson. This also helps them to master the
concept clearly and quickly.

Besides that,in this assigement we try to apply two problem solving strategies
in each non routine question.We have to justify the two strategies and select one
most best and efficient problem solving strategy in each question.Then,we have to
justify the three strategies and select the best strategy.We had choose use algebra
problem solving strategy as best and efficient strategy.We had explain the reasons
based on our knowledge.

Furthermore,we had create a non routine problem and solve the problem using
the best strategy that we had choose.We try our best to solve the non routine
problem using the algebra strategy and polya’s model.We had apply the four steps to
make our elaboration more clear and easily understand by others.

Finally,we all had done our assigement with successfully.We all had
understand what is problem solving skills and polya’s model problem solving.We will
use these skills in solving mathematical problems in future.

32