Problem Analytics AI Guide

Problem Analytics — AI guide

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Study resources extracted from the original LaTeX files.

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WEEK 0

Problem Solving Process

The process we will use to approach each problem.

Problem-Solving Framework

Step | Name | Key Idea

Step 1 | Deconstruct | Identify exactly what information the problem gives you.

Every word counts.

Step 2 | Try | Ideation: Recalling similar problems or theory applicable to the problem at hand.

Testing: Applying approaches to find new pieces of information or constraints the problem must satisfy.

Step 3 | Reflect | Key Clues: Identify what information should have prompted you to use the correct strategy.

Main Argument: Identify how the argument works and make it intuitive.

Contraposition: Find ways to make your argument seem stupid; actively look for weaknesses, counterexamples, or failure cases.

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WEEK 1

Using AI Effectively

Follow these steps when using AI to debug your work.

Step | Name | Key Idea

Step 0 | Context | Tell the AI:

• Grade / age

• What you're learning

• End goal

Then, it'll tailor its response to your needs.

Step 1 | Clarify | Ask the AI to explain what the problem is even asking. Give it:

• Your work so far

• The problem PDF /.tex file

• The solution PDF /.tex file

Have it help you deconstruct the problem, and understand the constraints.

Step 2 | Identify | Ask the AI what are the main steps to the argument in the desired solution.

Use the AI to figure out whether your method would've worked, or what is wrong with it.

Step 3 | Ask | Keep grilling the AI using tree-like search to figure out what you don't understand.

Tell it to keep responses concise and ask well-defined questions for the AI.

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WEEK 2

When Things Get Tough

Tools for approaching difficult problems

Tool | Name | Key Idea

Tool 0 | Reread | Problem Statement Test

• Identify the meaning of each word & symbol

• Identify the type of all defined objects

• Identify what the problem is asking

If you haven't, reread the question and figure these 3 things out.

Tool 1 | Explore | Case Prerogative

• Simple cases (n= 1, 2, 3)

• Edge cases (n= -1, ½, π)

• Disallowed cases (n= {1, 2, 3}, n= APPLE)

Look for a pattern among the cases and try to describe the nature of the problem.

Essential Information Test

1. Choose a given statement in the problem

2. Remove it

3. See how it changes the problem

If you do this enough, you'll see why you need all the information.

Tool 2 | Feynman Nap | Preconditions

• You are alone

• You are in bed or in a comfortable position

• You have the problem memorized

Then, let your mind wander.