You can't beat the clock: studies in problem solving

ABSTRACT

This paper has a broad purpose and a narrow purpose. The broad purpose is to teach some general techniques of problem solving, and the narrow purpose is to teach a particular approach to modeling. These purposes are attained by presenting a sequence of three problems and solutions to these problems. Many of the techniques of problem solving presented are taken from, or suggested by, the works of Polya (1957, 1973, 1981). Readers interested in expanding their problem solving abilities should strongly consider reading these works. The particular modeling viewpoint advocated in this paper is that time-oriented approaches to modeling are frequently preferable to space-oriented approaches. Hence, the title of this paper. Unfortunately, for most people, space-oriented approaches to modeling are more natural than time-oriented approaches. By emphasizing the advantages of the time-oriented approach, we hope to broaden the perspective of the reader.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING

General Terms:
Design, Performance, Theory