Here’s a problem-solving model you can use with any problem. It doesn’t matter if it’s a math problem, a school or work problem, or a personal problem.

1. Problem-solving always begins with what you know. What do you really know about your problem? Identify the big (important) and little (less important) things you know. Now write them down.
   My Problem

   Big Things	Little Things

2. How do you know these things? Write down your reasons, or evidence. For example, let’s say you “know” that Mary is mad at you. How do you know this? Is it because of something she said or did? Could it be something else? (Note: In math problems, where all the facts are stated clearly, you may be able to skip this step.)
3. Throw out any information that isn’t about the problem. This is “irrelevant” information that is not important to the problem itself. Let’s say your problem is about which person can run faster--Tina or Seth. Information about what town they are running in or the colour of each person’s hair would be considered irrelevant.
4. Say, “This is like the time--” Try to think of another problem like the one you have now. What did you do? How did you get the solution?
5. Take the problem and represent it to yourself in another way. For example, you could make a running track out of a piece of paper, measure it off, and use game pieces for Tina and Seth. Then you could move them through the problem and record what happens.