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Problem solving 101 - mklabgr - 06-21-2026
Problem solving 101
BY Steven Muirhead
Summary
The article “Problem Solving 101” by Stephen Muirhead explains that mathematical problem solving is not a mysterious talent possessed only by geniuses, but a skill developed through practice and the use of effective techniques. It presents several powerful strategies: building intuition by testing simple cases and changing parameters, identifying and exploiting patterns or symmetry, and using extreme cases to prove ideas or construct solutions.
Through examples involving geometry, algebra, clocks, games, irrational numbers, and tournaments, the article shows that many difficult-looking problems become manageable when their hidden structure is recognized. The main message is that successful problem solving comes from patience, experimentation, and applying simple but powerful mathematical ideas rather than waiting for sudden inspiration.
ARTICLE