How to get good at problem solving

It's a skill that I don't really have lol. I've hardly ever solved tough questions correctly, but when I see the answer it makes sense.

I wanna get good at it cuz I think its a pretty important skill, especially to get into good unis.

Are there any websites, books,courses or youtube channels you would recommend? I would be really grateful for any suggestions :smile:

thank you

Reply 1

Squirmz

Practice... That’s the main thing. A good thing to do is to look at other people solving problems and analysing their process and techniques.

Reply 2

username3477548

Original post by mazenod

Practice... That’s the main thing. A good thing to do is to look at other people solving problems and analysing their process and techniques.

thankss
is it true that people are just naturally good at Problem solving or do they actually have to practice to get good at it?

Reply 3

Squirmz

Original post by vix.xvi

thankss
is it true that people are just naturally good at Problem solving or do they actually have to practice to get good at it?

It, like many other things, is a combination of the two, but as long as you aren’t awful you can always get yourself to a decent standard. Personally, it comes naturally, but I know that having seen other people’s processes has enriched my abilities and practice - especially in mathsy problems - is very useful

Reply 4

Squirmz

Original post by vix.xvi

thankss
is it true that people are just naturally good at Problem solving or do they actually have to practice to get good at it?

If you are a good mathematician, I recommend looking at some of the UKMT Maths Challenge questions and Team Maths Challenge questions, which offer the opportunity to apply both learnt techniques and problem solving skills, unlike many other maths questions

Reply 5

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by vix.xvi

thank you

Do maths lots of it. (Quick non-calculator algebraic ones)
Poker as well perhaps.
Logic based puzzles
Non-verbal reasoning.

Reply 6

ayumie

There's no such thing as a maths-person. Not in my opinion at least.
I'd recommend practicing long, tough questions like the ones no the BMO1, BMO2, SMO1, SMO2 etc.
Sitting down and doing a paper for an hour sounds bad, but the questions are surprisingly fun.