Beginner

Problem Solving

Q: What are the 7 steps to problem-solving?

The 7 steps to problem-solving are: Identify the problem: Clearly define the issue. Gather information: Collect relevant data to understand the problem. Analyze the problem: Break down the issue into smaller parts and identify root causes. Generate solutions: Brainstorm potential ways to address the issue. Evaluate solutions: Weigh the pros and cons of each option. Implement the best solution: Execute the chosen strategy. Monitor and reflect: Assess the solution’s effectiveness and refine it as necessary.

Q: What are the top-down and bottom-up approaches?

Top-down approach: This starts with a high-level overview of the problem and breaks it into smaller, manageable parts. It’s strategy-driven, focusing on the big picture before delving into details. Bottom-up approach: This begins by addressing the smallest components of a problem and gradually builds toward a comprehensive solution. It’s detail-driven, focusing on specifics that aggregate into the big picture.

Q: What is pattern identification in computing?

Pattern identification in computing involves recognizing recurring structures, trends, or regularities in data or processes. This is critical in areas like: Algorithm design: Creating efficient solutions by spotting repeatable processes. Data analysis: Detecting trends for decision-making. Machine learning: Training models to identify and predict patterns. It streamlines problem-solving and enables systems to operate more effectively and predictively.

Learn Polya’s problem-solving process and strategies, such as divide and conquer and pattern identification, to enhance your analytical skills, tackle puzzles, and solve real-world problems.

Join 2.7 million developers at

Overview

Content

Reviews

Problem-solving skills are vital for personal growth, academic success, and professional achievement. They enable resilience, innovation, and effective decision-making. This course equips you with a lifelong skill set by teaching Polya’s problem-solving process and its applications in tackling real-world problems, games, and puzzles. You will explore strategies, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, divide and conquer, stepwise refinement, pattern identification, and logical reasoning through puzzle-solving and computing logic. By the end of the course, you’ll master analytical skills and critical thinking to apply Polya’s method and other strategies to complex challenges. This comprehensive approach establishes a strong foundation for systematically solving intricate problems.

Problem-solving skills are vital for personal growth, academic success, and professional achievement. They enable resilience, in...Show More

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Familiarity about the significance of problem-solving skills in diverse fields and their impact on addressing real-world problems

Hands-on experience applying Polya’s problem-solving process and key strategies like divide and conquer and pattern identification

Development of analytical skills and logical reasoning through practical applications like puzzle-solving and computing logic

The ability to apply problem-solving methods effectively to complex challenges using critical thinking techniques

Familiarity about the significance of problem-solving skills in diverse fields and their impact on addressing real-world problems

Content

43 Lessons9 Quizzes

Polyas method

2 Lessons

Learn Polya’s method with a 4-step process to enhance problem-solving skills, applying it effectively across contexts using Polya’s problem-solving approach.

Let’s Play

Introduction to Pólya’s Problem-Solving Process

Bottom-Up Approach

5 Lessons

Explore the logic of measuring quantities using a bottom-up approach, applying effective problem-solving strategies for systematic and logical solutions. Explor

Understanding the Problem

Devising a Plan: Strategy

Devising a Plan: Solution

Carrying Out the Plan

Exercise

Top-Down Approach

5 Lessons

Solve the Farmer’s dilemma using a top-down approach, applying Polya’s problem-solving and strategic techniques to find logical and effective solutions.

Understanding the Problem

Devising a Plan: Strategy

Devising a Plan: Solution

Carrying Out the Plan

Exercise

Wire Length Calculator

5 Lessons

Calculate wire length with geometric shapes using Polya’s problem-solving and structured strategies, enhancing analytical skills and logical reasoning.

Understanding the Problem

Devising a Plan: Strategy

Devising a Plan: Solution

Carrying Out the Plan

Exercise

Stepwise refinement

5 Lessons

Determine the Bear’s color using Polya’s problem-solving steps and logical reasoning, applying geographic analysis for effective and systematic solutions.

Understanding the Problem

Devising a Plan: Strategy

Devising a Plan: Solution

Carrying Out the Plan

Exercise

Guessing Games

5 Lessons

Follow the process of using divide and conquer to efficiently solve guessing challenges.

Understanding the Problem

Devising a Plan: Strategy

Devise a Plan: Solution

Carrying Out the Plan

Exercise

Minesweeper Game

5 Lessons

Master the divide and conquer strategy to solve Minesweeper, breaking the puzzle into smaller sections for efficient and effective problem-solving.

Understanding the Problem

Devising a Plan: Strategy

Devise a Plan: Solution

Carrying Out the Plan

Exercise

Triangular Wall

5 Lessons

Learn to apply Gauss’s method for solving arithmetic series problems, streamlining calculations, and enhancing problem-solving efficiency through systematic str

Understanding the Problem

Devising a Plan: Strategy

Devising a Plan: Solution

Carrying Out the Plan

Exercise

Pattern Identification

5 Lessons

Uncover the core of pattern identification in counting, geometric sequences, and exponential growth, using strategic problem-solving to recognize and solve comp

Understanding the Problem

Devising a Plan: Strategy

Devising a Plan: Solution

Carrying Out the Plan

Exercise

10.

Conclusion

1 Lessons

Examine the importance of problem-solving skills and Pólya's framework in tackling challenges.

Wrap Up

Certificate of Completion

Showcase your accomplishment by sharing your certificate of completion.

Developed by MAANG Engineers

Every Educative lesson is designed by our in-house team of ex-MAANG software engineers and PhD computer science educators, and developed in consultation with developers and data scientists working at Meta, Google, and more. Our mission is to get you hands-on with the necessary skills to stay ahead in a constantly changing industry. No video, no fluff. Just interactive, project-based learning with personalized feedback that adapts to your goals and experience.

Trusted by 2.7 million developers working at companies

"These are high-quality courses. Trust me. I own around 10 and the price is worth it for the content quality. EducativeInc came at the right time in my career. I'm understanding topics better than with any book or online video tutorial I've done. Truly made for developers. Thanks"

Anthony Walker

@_webarchitect_

"Just finished my first full #ML course: Machine learning for Software Engineers from Educative, Inc. ... Highly recommend!"

Evan Dunbar

ML Engineer

"You guys are the gold standard of crash-courses... Narrow enough that it doesn't need years of study or a full blown book to get the gist, but broad enough that an afternoon of Googling doesn't cut it."

Software Developer

Carlos Matias La Borde

"I spend my days and nights on Educative. It is indispensable. It is such a unique and reader-friendly site"

Souvik Kundu

Front-end Developer

"Your courses are simply awesome, the depth they go into and the breadth of coverage is so good that I don't have to refer to 10 different websites looking for interview topics and content."

Vinay Krishnaiah

Software Developer

Hands-on Learning Powered by AI

See how Educative uses AI to make your learning more immersive than ever before.

Personalized Interview Prep

Skip the LeetCode grind with a custom roadmap that adapts to your goals. Hands-on practice for Coding Interviews, System Design, and more.

Mock Interviews

Test your skills in a simulated interview setting. Receive personalized feedback based on your performance. Available for Coding Interviews, System Design, and more.

AI Prompt

Build prompt engineering skills. Practice implementing AI-informed solutions.

Code Feedback

Evaluate and debug your code with the click of a button. Get real-time feedback on test cases, including time and space complexity of your solutions.

Explain with AI

Select any text within any Educative course, and get an instant explanation — without ever leaving your browser.

AI Code Mentor

AI Code Mentor helps you quickly identify errors in your code, learn from your mistakes, and nudge you in the right direction — just like a 1:1 tutor!

Free Resources

FOR TEAMS

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Unlock this course (and 1,000+ more) for your entire org with DevPath

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the concept of problem-solving?

Problem-solving is the process of identifying challenges, analyzing their causes, and devising effective strategies to resolve them. It involves logical thinking, creativity, and the application of structured techniques, such as Polya’s problem-solving process, to achieve desired outcomes. This skill is essential for personal, academic, and professional growth.

What are the 7 steps to problem-solving?

The 7 steps to problem-solving are:

Identify the problem: Clearly define the issue.
Gather information: Collect relevant data to understand the problem.
Analyze the problem: Break down the issue into smaller parts and identify root causes.
Generate solutions: Brainstorm potential ways to address the issue.
Evaluate solutions: Weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Implement the best solution: Execute the chosen strategy.
Monitor and reflect: Assess the solution’s effectiveness and refine it as necessary.

What are the top-down and bottom-up approaches?

Top-down approach: This starts with a high-level overview of the problem and breaks it into smaller, manageable parts. It’s strategy-driven, focusing on the big picture before delving into details.
Bottom-up approach: This begins by addressing the smallest components of a problem and gradually builds toward a comprehensive solution. It’s detail-driven, focusing on specifics that aggregate into the big picture.

What is pattern identification in computing?

Pattern identification in computing involves recognizing recurring structures, trends, or regularities in data or processes. This is critical in areas like:

Algorithm design: Creating efficient solutions by spotting repeatable processes.
Data analysis: Detecting trends for decision-making.
Machine learning: Training models to identify and predict patterns.

It streamlines problem-solving and enables systems to operate more effectively and predictively.