The four step plan for problem solving:

1.  You have to understand the problem.

        -What is the unknown?  What are the data?  What is the condition?

        -Is it possible to solve the problem?  Is there enough information?

        -Draw and label a figure.

        -Separate the important information and write it down.

2. Find the connection between the data and the unknown and develop a strategy.

        -Have you seen the problem before, or a similar problem?

        -If you have can apply a similar strategy?

        -Do you know a theorem that would be useful?

        -Restate the problem differently if necessary.

        -Start with solving just one part of the problem if possible.

3.  Carry out your plan.

        -Check each step.

        -Can you see clearly that each step is correct?

4.  Examine the solution.

        -Does the answer make sense in the context of the problem?

        -Can you check the answer by using substitution or some other method.