Problem solving strategies

1.) Analyze the problem:

Analyze the characteristics of the inputs and the desired outputs.

2.) Define the problem using mathematical notation:

Write down the characteristics of the inputs and the desired outputs and the relationship between them.

3.) Develop an algorithm to solve the problem:

Given the inputs the algorithm produces outputs that satisfy the problem definition. Usually involves computing some kind of difference or error.

4.) Measure and evaluate the performance of the algorithm.