ENGINEERING PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

Problem
Definition

THEORY DATA

Mathematical
Model
Problem solving tools:
computers, statistics,
graphics, numerical
methods, etc.
Numeric or
graphic results
Reasoning, verification,
testing, optimization or
designing, etc.

Implementation
MATHEMATICAL MODELING
1. Defining the problem
• This is the fundamental and crucial step involved in the process of
mathematical problem solving.
• This step aims to understand the problem and the objectives before
we attempt to solve the problem.
• Identifying the root problem requires detailed scrutiny with respect to
all aspects.
• The root cause of a problem may not be the one that is visible.
• So a detailed study is required to define the problem on dot.
2. Making assumptions and approximations
• By making assumption we can get rid of some extraneous or
insignificant factors so the model really only considers most
important variables.
• It helps to make the model simple.
• It makes the model easier to understand.
Lets look at the example of thermal expansion of an aluminium rod

𝑙𝑜 ∆𝑙

Δ𝑙 = ∝𝑙𝑜 Δ𝑇

d𝑙 = ∝ 𝑇 𝑙𝑜 𝑑𝑇
𝛼+𝑙𝑜
∆𝑙 = 𝑙𝑜
∝ 𝑇 𝑙𝑜 𝑑𝑇
3. Defining variables
• When we are trying to make a mathematical model we are trying to create an
equation of some sort that incorporates certain variables.
• The variables you need to develop your solution come from the perspective of
the problem statement.
• Models can be represented by a functional relationship between dependent
variables, independent variables, parameters, and forcing functions.

Dependent Independent Fixed Forcing

variable =f variables , parameters , functions
3. Defining variables
• Dependent variables : They represent the information you seek, a
characteristic that usually reflects the behaviour or state of the
system.
• Independent variables : Represent quantities you know the value are
but may change. Eg: dimensions, such as time and space, along which
the system’s behaviour is being determined.
• Fixed parameters : Reflect the system’s properties or composition.
• Forcing functions : External influences acting upon the system.
3. Defining variables

Lets take the example of a freely falling ball

• Dependent variables : position, velocity or

acceleration
• Independent variables : time wind
• Fixed parameters : mass, acceleration due to
cv
gravity g, drag coefficient
• Forcing functions : influence of wind
mg
4. Forming the mathematical model
• Using analytic and logical thinking interconnect the defined variables.
• By applying the relevant laws and theories dealing with the system
the interdependence of the variables are studied.
• By using these theoretical principles and laws and also considering
the assumptions and approximations we taken the problem is
formulated mathematically.

Dependent Independent Fixed Forcing

variable =f variables , parameters , functions
4. Forming the mathematical model
• The mathematical model formed can be simple equation, system of
equations, complex function, differential equation, Laplace transform
model, state space model, or etc.

Example:
Determine the velocity of a falling parachute.
4. Forming the mathematical model
Applying Newton's second law of motion

𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑚𝑎
𝐹𝑔 − 𝐹𝑑 = 𝑚𝑎 𝐹𝑑
𝑚𝑔 − 𝑐𝑣 = 𝑚𝑎
𝑑𝑣
𝑚 = 𝑚𝑔 − 𝑐𝑣
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑣 𝑐
+ 𝑣−𝑔 =0
𝑑𝑡 𝑚
𝐹𝑔
5. Solving the mathematical model
• Substitute the known quantities into the formulated mathematical
model and perform the calculations to determine the unknowns.
• Depending on the nature of the problem the solution can be a single
numerical value ,graphical solution, a system of numerical values,
function of dependent variables or etc.
• The solution to complex mathematical models can be easily found
using computer softwares.
eg Matlab , Maplesoft, scilab, modelica etc
5. Solving the mathematical model
• There are two methods for solving the mathematical model:
1. Analytical method: Analytic methods utilize correct hypotheses to
introduce recipes that can be utilized to display numerical solutions
for numerical problems with or without the use of numerical
methods. Analytical solutions denote exact solutions that can be
used to study the behaviour of the system with varying properties.
2. Numerical method: Numerical methods utilize correct calculations
to present numerical solutions for mathematical problems. It gives
approximate solutions.
5. Solving the mathematical model
Example: Lets take the previous eg of parachute
ANALYTIC SOLUTION
t (sec.) V (m/s)
0 0
𝑑𝑣 𝑐 2 16.40
+ 𝑣−𝑔 =0
𝑑𝑡 𝑚 4 27.77
8 41.10

𝑔𝑚 𝑐
−( )𝑡
10 44.87

𝑣 𝑡 = 1− 𝑒 𝑚 12 47.49

𝑐 ∞ 53.39
5. Solving the mathematical model
NUMERIC SOLUTION

𝑑𝑣 𝑐 𝑑𝑣 Δ𝑣
=𝑔− 𝑣 , ≅
𝑑𝑡 𝑚 𝑑𝑡 Δ𝑡

𝑣 𝑡𝑖+1 − 𝑣 𝑡𝑖 𝑐
= 𝑔 − 𝑣 𝑡𝑖
𝑡𝑖+1 − 𝑡𝑖 𝑚

𝑐
𝑣 𝑡𝑖+1 =𝑣 𝑡𝑖 + 𝑔−
𝑚
𝑣 𝑡𝑖 𝑡𝑖+1 − 𝑡𝑖
Analysis
• Check and make sure that the results obtained are reasonable and
intuitive and verify the validity of questionable assumptions.
• In this step the quality and possibility of applying the solution are
analyzed.
QUANTITATIVE REASONING
STRATEGIES
Problem solving strategies to be used depends on the type of problems,
information given, type and accuracy of the expected result etc. They may
involve translating the representation of mathematical problem, making
educated guesses, pattern searches, using simplifications and so on.
 1. TRANSLATE FROM VERBAL TO NUMERIC OR
ALGEBRAIC FORM
• This strategy can be used effectively for word problems

• The information given in verbal form is written in the form of an

expression so that the solution required as well as the method to be
used becomes apparent.
 2. TRANSLATE FROM VERBAL TO GRAPHICAL
FORM

• In this strategy , information given in the problem is represented in

the form of a picture .This can be either a sketch-like diagram or
conceptual or schematic diagram. Drawing makes it easier to analyse
the data at hand and to identify the solution method.
 3. TRANSLATE FROM NUMERIC/ALGEBRAIC TO
GRAPHICAL FORM
• Many problems that are started in numeric or algebraic form can be
understood and solved better if converted to graphical form.
• For example : it is easier to integrate a randomly varying function
using graphical method by finding the area under the curve
4. TRANSLATE FROM GRAPHIC TO NUMERIC/ALGEBRAIC
FORM
• This strategy is widely used in reading and interpreting problems
involving charts and graphs where data is represented graphically.
 5. LOOK FOR PATTERNS

• A complex mathematical situation can be often simplified greatly if

the underlying pattern can be identified.
• Finding this can point us either to a complete solution or help us
construct a hypothesis which can then be verified.

50
• Example: recurring divisions = 0.150150150
333
 6. TRIAL AND ERROR

• When patterns, mathematical relationships, estimation etc are not

applicable the trial and error strategy can be used.
• Taking a guess at possible solution and then verifying it will help in
understanding the problem better.
• If the available solutions are limited trial and error approach is quite
reasonable.
7. DIVIDE INTO SUB PROBLEMS

• Complex problems can be divided into different specific cases and the
possibility of general solution can be checked.
• By using a step by step approach we can reduce the solution of a
complicated problem into the solution of a series of simple problems.
• The smaller, less complex components will usually be restricted cases
of the original problem.
8. SIMPLIFICATION OF ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSION
• Sometimes problem statement have large and cumbersome algebraic
expressions. We must always look at the possibility of simplifying and reducing
these expressions

9. ESTIMATE THE ANSWER

• At times it is unnecessary to do complex calculations required to find an
accurate answer. An estimated answer may only be needed.

10. USE ESTABLISHED SOLUTIONS FROM RELATED PROBLEMS

• If the given problem is similar to previously solved problem, the strategy as well
as solution can be adapted. If there is no change in the fundamental structure
of the problem i.e. the problem differs only in numbers then the exact solution
strategy may be used.
THANK YOU