Polya created his famous four-step process for problem solving, which is used all over to aid people in problem solving:

Step 1: Understand the problem.

Step 2: Devise a plan (translate).

Step 3: Carry out the plan (solve).

Step 4: Look back (check and interpret).

Step-by-step Explanation:

Step 1: Understand the problem.

• In order to show an understanding of the problem, you, of course, need to read the problem carefully. Once the problem is read, you need to list all the components and data that are involved. This is where you will be assigning your variable.

Step 2:  Devise a plan (translate).

• Setting up an equation, drawing a diagram, and making a chart are all ways that you can go about solving your problem.  In this tutorial, we will be setting up equations for each problem.  You will translate them just like we did in Tutorial 2: Algebraic Expressions and Tutorial 5: Properties of Real Numbers.

Step 3:  Carry out the plan (solve).

• This is where you solve the equation you came up with in your 'devise a plan' step. 

Step 4:  Look back (check and interpret).

• Check to see if you used all your information and that the answer makes sense.  If your answer does check out, make sure that you write your final answer with the correct labeling.