Page 160 - qrps

Quantitative Reasoning & Problem Solving
160 © 2014 Pacific Crest
2. Analyze each step of a methodology for its purpose, function and contribution to the quality of the
whole process
3. Use methodologies to document the performance of a process.
4. Increase future performance in problem solving by analyzing, using, and assessing your use of the
Problem Solving Methodology.
Discovery Finding out for yourself
Analyze your experience as it pertains to process knowledge.
1. Brainstorm three performance areas in which you excel. These performance areas should be related
to some form of problem solving.
2. For each of them, identify the critical process (the steps you take) within each performance.
3. Compare these three performances with the upcoming Problem Solving Methodology (PSM) and
determine which of the steps you used are also present in the PSM. (Note that there are blank generic
methodology worksheets available on the companion website.)
What Do You Already Know? Tapping into your existing knowledge
1. How do you currently solve problems?
2. How do you know that you have solved a problem?
3. When do you use mathematics to solve a problem?
4. What types of problems don’t use some form of quantitative reasoning and why?
5. What is the relationship between learning, levels of knowledge, and problem solving?
Mathematical Language Terms and notation
identifying assumptions — clarifying the key assumptions made in order to solve the problem
key issues — important things to consider and address with the problem solution in order for the problem
to be considered solved
mathematical modeling — the modeling of a real-world situation using mathematical language,
reasoning, and structure to produce understanding or a solution to a problem
validating — verifying that what you think is true is actually true
Information What you need to know
Readings