A math problem with a solution that eludes

Fifty Seventh Post: A math problem with a solution that eludes

When I write the math problems to post on the web it takes some hours. I have to check and see if the solution is valid, it makes sense, and that I have explained it fully. Remember the circle problem I wrote about? Well I’m still working on it. I want to post it to see if anyone can solve it, but I want to make sure that I can not solve it upon some more inspection of the problem.

In math when testing new ideas (little ideas and tinkerings), there is always a problem that eludes. It can be any problem, but it usually occurs when learning something new or tackling some known or unknown puzzling problem.

This problem though it appears easy to solve, it cannot be solved by any of the methods you have found. So when you encounter this what do you do? The first step is to take time solving the problem let it progress over hours or even days. When you do something else throughout the day, your mind will be subconsciously working on the problem. Out of nowhere you will get a new lead on the problem.

A second step is to try and describe the problem in a different way. Look over the given and all the methods you have tried. Does the problem have to many variables or was you method incorrect? This is hard to describe. You, the mathematician have to figure it out for yourself.

The third and final technique is to share you work. Two minds are better than one, strategy. Sometimes the techniques you used trying to find the answer are more useful than the actual answer. So it is a good idea to share your work once you, the mathematician, figure you have exhausted your efforts.