Problem Solving Assignment:

1. Read the article by Mathcounts.
2. Read the article on Problem Solving Techniques by Robert Harris.
3. Apply your understanding of problem solving by outlining the process of solving one of the suggested problems below.
   
   a) Consider all of the costs associated with owning a ten year old vehicle, with 185,000 kilometers, upon which you still have a $2000 outstanding loan for a year. Your considerations should include how many kilometers you expect to drive in a year and the weather conditions in your province.
   
   b) Consider the independent living costs for yourself attending a university or college while sharing a basement suite with two friends.
   
   c) Consider the independent living costs of a single parent with a job paying $8.00 an hour for 36 hours per week, no overtime.
   
   d) With permission from your teacher, write about a problem of your own choice.
   
   
   Clarify the problem. State the initial assumptions.
   What are the criteria for a successful solution to the problem?
   What limiting factors restrict the solutions possible?
   Can extraneous details be eliminated to simplify the problem?
   If possible, develop a model to illustrate the solution.
   Draw a picture or a diagram of the problem/solution state.
   Design and fill in a chart or a table of a solution.
   Evaluate your solution. Were your initial assumptions correct or did you need to make changes? What were the assumptions added; changes made?
   Write about anticipated errors.