Problem facts for kids
A problem is like a challenge or a puzzle that stops you from reaching a goal. The word "problem" comes from an old Greek word meaning "something in your way." When you have a problem, you need to find a way to solve it. The way you solve a problem is called a "solution."
Contents
What Are Some Examples of Problems?
Everyday Problems
Imagine John has locked his car keys inside his car. He can't get them! This is a problem. He needs to find a solution to get his keys back.
Fun Problems and Puzzles
Some problems are made just for fun, like puzzles! You might solve these using logic, which means thinking things through step-by-step. Other times, you might use trial and error, trying different things until one works. Sometimes, you might use a heuristic, which is like a helpful rule of thumb that often works.
Math Problems
Here is an example of a math problem: "John is three times as old as Mary. In three years, he will be twice as old as Mary. How old are John and Mary?" The answer to this problem is that John is 9 years old and Mary is 3 years old.
Lateral Thinking Problems
Children often like to give each other problems that can be solved by "lateral thinking." This means using your imagination and thinking outside the box, instead of just strict logic. Here is an example:
"Peter, Ruth, Samuel, and Jessica live in the same house. Peter and Ruth went out. When they returned, they found Jessica lying dead, surrounded by glass. They were sure Samuel had done it. Why did they not call the police?" The answer is: Samuel was the cat, and Jessica was a goldfish!
Unsolvable Problems
A famous example of a problem that cannot be solved is called "squaring the circle." This is a geometry challenge. It asks how to draw a square that has the exact same area as a given circle, using only a compass and a straightedge. It has been proven that this is impossible to do!
Related pages
- Monty Hall problem – a problem about goats and a car in a game show, using probability.
See also
In Spanish: Resolución de problemas para niños
