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Certain methods of logic and techniques of calculation are fundamental to the solution of many problems, and there is a near-infinite number of methods that can be used for technical problem solving. Words such as creativity, ingenuity, originality, etc., appear in all these approaches. What do they all have in common? They provide a systematic, logical approach to solving problems, and what follows is the authors’ definition of a generic approach.

The methodology of solving problems has been discussed by most mathematicians and logicians since the days of Aristotle. Heuristic (“serving to discover”) is the term often given to this study of the methods and rules of solving problems. Nearly always, a stepwise approach to the solution is desirable. The broad steps are:

1 Understand the problem.

2 Devise a plan for the solution.

3 Carry out the plan.

4 Look back and check the problem solution.

Details on each of the four points follows.