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Problem Solving: Practice & Approaches

1. Practice solving a variety of problems2. Strategies for solving problems3. More Practice

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General Idea of This Lesson

• Programming is like learning a language– You need to learn the vocabulary (keywords), grammar (syntax), and

how to use punctuation (symbols)

• Problem solving is like learning to cook– A novice chef has a recipe – An master chef can create their own recipe

Both tasks require practice!

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Review: Scientific Problem-Solving Method

1. Problem Statement2. Diagram3. Theory4. Assumptions5. Solution Steps6. Identify Results & Verify Accuracy7. Computerize the solution

a. Deduce the algorithm from step 5b. Translate the algorithm to lines of codec. Verify Results

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Example #1: Balancing a fulcrum

A 30-kg child and a 20-kg child sit on a 5.00-m long teeter-totter. Where should the fulcrum be placed so the two children balance? (Note: an object is in static equilibrium when all moments balance.)

Using the supplied worksheet, solve the problem with the people sitting next to you.

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Example #1: Balancing a fulcrum

1. Problem Statement:a) Givens:

b) Find:

2. Diagram

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Example #1: Balancing a fulcrum

3. Theory

4. Assumptions

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2

3

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Example #1: Balancing a fulcrum

5. Solution Steps

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Example #1: Balancing a fulcrum

6. Identify results and verify

Does this make sense?– Units?– Overall Dimension?– Easy to imagine!– Can you rerun the analyses with other givens using Step 5?

This is the key to Computer Programming!!

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Problem Solving Strategies

• The trouble with Step 5: “Solution Steps”

There can be many approaches to solving the same problem

• Creativity is an important component on how we view and approach problems:

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Creativity

• Connect the following 9 dots with four continuous lines without lifting your pencil

Sometimes you will need to think outside the box

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Problem Solving Strategies (Polya, 1945)

• Utilize analogies– Flow through a piping system can be modeled with electronics

Resistors – Fluid FrictionCapacitors – Holdup tanksBatteries – Pumps

• Work Auxiliary Problems– Remove some constraints

• Generalize the problem Ex: L1 = m2 * L / (m1 + m2)

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Problem Solving Strategies (Polya, 1945)

• Decompose & Recombine problems– Break the problem into individual components

Calculate Cost of Area(𝑝2+1 ) (𝑞2+1 ) (𝑟2+1 ) (𝑠2+1 )

𝑝𝑞𝑟𝑠 ≥16

Prove the following equation

2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 16

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Problem Solving Strategies (Polya, 1945)

• Work backwards from the solutionEx: Measure exactly 7 oz. of liquid from a large

container using only a 5 oz. container and an 8 oz. Container

Solution:8 5 7?

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Example #2: Fuel tank design

A fuel tank is to be constructed that will hold 5 x 105 L. The shape is cylindrical with a hemisphere top and a cylindrical midsection. Costs to construct the cylindrical portion will be $300/m2 of surface area and $400/m2 of surface area of the hemispheres. What is the tank dimension that will result in the lowest dollar cost?

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1. Problem Statement:a) Givens:

b) Find:

2. Diagram

Example #2: Fuel tank design

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Example #2: Fuel tank design

3. Theory

4. Assumptions

1

2

3

4

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Example #2: Fuel tank design

5. Solution Steps

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Example #2: Fuel tank design

5. Solution Steps

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Example #2: Fuel tank design

5. Solution Steps

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Example #2: Fuel tank design

6. Identify results and Verify

Does this make sense?– Units?– Overall Dimension?– Can you rerun the analyses with other givens using Step 5?

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Wrapping Up

• Utilize the 7 step process before you begin programming• Be clear about your approach• Think creatively• Use a couple of strategies when understanding a problem• Practice!• Use Matlab to make your life easier

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Try it yourself

• What if the fuel tank had two hemispheres?

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A fuel tank is to be constructed that will hold 5 x 105 L. The shape is cylindrical with a hemisphere top, a hemisphere base and, and a cylindrical midsection. Costs to construct the cylindrical portion will be $250/m2 of surface area and $300/m2 of surface area of the hemispheres. What is the tank dimension that will result in the lowest dollar cost?