Problem Solving Flashcards

A bookshelf has 5 shelves. Each shelf holds 4 more books than the shelf below it. If the bottom shelf holds 10 books, how many books are on the shelf in total?

Answer: 90

Shelves hold 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 books; total = 10+14+18+22+26 = 90.

Which of the following best describes analogical reasoning in problem solving?

Answer: Applying a solution strategy from a known similar problem to a new one

Analogical reasoning transfers the structure of a solved problem to guide the approach to a new, structurally similar one.

Two cyclists start from opposite ends of a 120 km trail at the same time. Cyclist A travels at 15 km/h and Cyclist B at 25 km/h. How far from Cyclist A's starting point do they meet?

Answer: 45 km

They meet after 120/(15+25) = 3 hours; Cyclist A covers 15×3 = 45 km from her start.

A problem asks for the minimum number of moves to transfer a stack of discs in the Tower of Hanoi puzzle with 4 discs. What is the answer?

Answer: 15

The minimum number of moves for n discs is 2ⁿ − 1; for 4 discs: 2⁴ − 1 = 15.

In critical thinking, what is a 'false dichotomy'?

Answer: Presenting only two options as if they are the only possibilities when others exist

A false dichotomy incorrectly frames a situation as having only two choices, ignoring other valid alternatives.

A manager must schedule 4 tasks (A, B, C, D). Task B cannot start until A is finished, and Task D cannot start until both B and C are finished. Which scheduling order is valid?

Answer: C, A, B, D

C and A can run first (in any order), then B after A, then D after both B and C — order C, A, B, D satisfies all constraints.

A student scores 78, 85, 91, and 74 on four tests. What score must she earn on the fifth test to achieve a mean of exactly 84?

Answer: 92

Required total = 84 × 5 = 420; current total = 78+85+91+74 = 328; fifth score = 420 − 328 = 92.