Problem Solving Simulation

How did you interpret the problem?

To interpret the problem, I had to understand what the goal of the problem. The main goal was to get all three animals; the cat, the dog, and the mouse. The next step was to look at the qualifications and limitations of performing the task. The goal was to get the cat, dog, and mouse to the other side of the river, but the challenge was quite difficult. The first challenge was only on animal was allowed on the raft at a time. The second challenges are that is the cat and dog were left alone they would fight and devour each other and the cat and mouse would do the same.

What strategy did you use and how did you evaluate your progress?

The strategy I used to solve this problem was trial and error. I tried different ways to try getting the animals across the river without the animals harming one another. This strategy can be frustrating but it allows you to look at other options and strategies to get it right. There were limited choices to make to solve this problem so I figured the solution rapidly. I realized that only one animal could be left alone by themselves so that made me take the cat across the river first. Once I took the cat other side I decided to go back across and get the mouse. Once I transported the mouse across the river, I decided to take the mouse back across (so the cat would not eat the mouse). My next was to bring the dog over and last go back and get the cat.

Did you encounter any obstacles while solving this problem?

When trying to solve the problem, I encountered one problem. I was looking at the limitations and doubting that the challenge was possible. Once I sat there and thought of the information giving and brainstormed the problem was easy to solve. I was thinking that no matter what animal I take across the river, they were going to attack each other. It never occurred to me that I can take an animal back and forth to prevent any damage to another animal. When I thought of taking an animal...