Page 138 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Step 9—Generalize the Solution

A solution to a problem becomes much more valuable and useful when it can be generalized and applied
to many different situations rather than being limited to one unique situation. By making modifications
and adaptations to the solution, you can make it such that the solution will work for other people as well
as for yourself. You can save yourself a great deal of time and effort in the future by using (previously
solved) generalized problem solutions in applicable situations.

Evelyn realizes there is a piece of information she has forgotten to include in her job seeking
equation: what if the computer industry takes a downturn and her husband is out of work over
the summer? Evelyn knows once she is on a temporary agency’s roster, she can always seek work
through that agency later. This gives her one more reason to go through an agency.

Step 10—Communicate the Solution

In many situations, you must communicate your solution(s) and the processes used to arrive at the
solution(s) to an audience. It is important that solutions to problems be effectively and persuasively
communicated. Otherwise, the value of the solution and all the work associated with it are diminished
or even dismissed. You want your oral and/or written communication to include the significance of
the problem, the fact that assumptions have been made and tested, that you have examined possible
solutions, and the rationale for your final recommendations and conclusions.

That night, after the children are in bed, Evelyn sits down with her husband and explains her
thinking, showing him the various steps in the Problem Solving Methodology. He is supportive
and impressed, and plans to use the methodology himself as he continues to search for work.

The Problem Solving Methodology is serving Evelyn very well; she’s successfully solved a pretty important
problem and is feeling good about starting to apply what she’s learned to her larger problem of choosing a
major and career path. She was surprised to find that the same methodology worked equally well on other
kinds of problems...

Problem Solving Example: Picking Pizzas

Evelyn and her nephew, Chuck, are going out for pizza to celebrate his excellent
performance in college last semester. This time around, Chuck is treating. Chuck
knows that one small pizza will not be enough for the two of them. The menu
at their favorite place, Angelo’s, lists three sizes: the small for $5, the medium for
$8 and the large for $11. The small pizza has six slices and the medium and large pizzas
each have eight slices.

Chuck has $25 on him, and he doesn’t mind taking home the leftovers for tomorrow’s
breakfast. The small pizza is 8 inches in diameter, the medium is 12 inches in diameter
and the large has a 16 inch diameter. Using these facts, which choice gives the most pizza

for the money? Chuck is a finance major and really enjoys this kind of problem solving.
Evelyn isn’t so sure, but watches closely as Chuck uses the methodology.

Step Explanation
1 Define the problem Chuck and Evelyn want to find the best pizza purchase for the money.
2 Identify key issues Enough pizza must be bought for at least one meal.
One small pizza will not be enough.
132 Chuck does not mind having leftovers.

Foundations of Learning