Understanding the Problem
Representation Methods
Problem-Solving Strategies
100

This is the starting point of a problem.

What is the initial state?


100

Using letters like x and y to solve problems.

What are symbols?

100

A method that always guarantees a correct solution

What is an algorithm?

200

This is the desired outcome of a problem.

What is the goal state?

200

A grid that shows all possible combinations.

What is a matrix?

200

A mental shortcut or general rule.

What is a heuristic?

300

These make it difficult to reach the goal.

What are obstacles?

300

These help organize complex information visually.

What are diagrams?

300

Solving a problem using a similar past problem.

What is the analogy approach?

400

This process involves going beyond given information to reach a goal.

What is thinking

400

These help free up working memory and show relationships.

What are graphs or visual images?

400

Reducing the difference between current state and goal.

What is the means-end heuristic?

500

This is forming a mental representation of a problem.

What is understanding the problem?

500

A tree-like structure showing options and relationships.

What is a hierarchical tree diagram?

500

Choosing the option that gets you closest to the goal at each step.

What is the hill-climbing heuristic?

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