Four-step Problem Solving (George Polya) Step 1. Identify the Problem Step 2. Devise a Plan Step 3. Evaluate (Solve) Step 4. Assess your answer Understand and explore the problem. In order to understand the problem, read the problem carefully. Identify what is ask, or determine what the problem requires you to do. Find the strategy you will use to solve the problem. Setting up an equation, drawing a diagram or making a chart are some ways of solving a problem. Carry out the plan, solve the equation you came up with in your Step 2. (Devise a Plan). Look back and reflect on the solution, if you used all the information correctly. Make sure that you write your final answer with the correct labelling.