Problem
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2008-06-18T15:45:54Z
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Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/Lukenigs|Lukenigs]] ([[User talk:Lukenigs|talk]]) to last version by Rettetast
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A '''problem''' is an obstacle which makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal, objective or purpose. It refers to a situation, condition, or issue that is yet unresolved. In a broad sense, a problem exists when an individual becomes aware of a significant difference between what actually is and what is desired.
==Etymology==
From Ancient Greek πρόβλημα (''próblēma'') "anything thrown forward, hindrance, obstacle, anything projecting, a headland, promontory", from προβάλλω (''probállō'') "to throw or lay something in front of someone, to put forward", from prefix προ- (''pro-'') "in front of" + βάλλω (''bállo'') "to throw, to cast, to hurl".
==Problem Solving==
Every problem asks for an [[answer]] or solution. Trying to find a solution to a problem is known as [[problem solving]]. The time it takes to solve a problem is a way of measuring [[complexity]].<ref>{{cite book |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors=Editos of time-Life books, Inc. |title=The Puzzle Master |year=1989 |publisher=Time-Life Books |location=Alexandria, Virginia, USA |isbn=0809709287 |pages=32}}</ref> Many problems have no discovered solution and are therefore classified as an [[open problem]].{{seealso|List of unsolved problems}}
From the mid 20th century, the field of [[theoretical computer science]] has explored the use of computers to solve problems.
==Examples==
* [[Mathematical problem]] is a question about mathematical objects and structures that may require a distinct answer or explanation or [[mathematical proof|proof]]. Examples include [[Word problem (mathematics)|word problems]] at school level or deeper problems such as [[Four color theorem|shading a map with only four colours]].
* In [[society]], a problem can refer to particular [[social issue]]s, which if solved would yield social benefits, such as increased harmony or productivity, and conversely diminished hostility and disruption. {{seealso|Wicked problem}}
* In [[business]] and [[engineering]], a problem is a difference between actual conditions and those that are required or desired. Often, the causes of a problem are not known, in which case [[root cause analysis]] is employed to find the causes and identify corrective actions.
* In [[Chess problem|chess]], a problem is a puzzle set by somebody using chess pieces on a chess board, for others to get instruction or intellectual satisfaction from determining the solution.
* In [[theology]], there is what is referred to as the [[Synoptic Problem]], which includes in its discourse a concern for assumptions of historical accuracy that are challenged by apparent contradictions in the [[Gospels]]' accounts of allegedly historical events.
* In academic [[discourse]] a problem is a challenge to an assumption, an apparent conflict that requires synthesis and reconciliation. It is a normal part of systematic thinking, the address of which adds to or detracts from the veracity of a conclusion or idea.
* An [[optimization problem]] is finding the best solution from all feasible solutions. A good example of this type of problem is the [[travelling salesperson problem]] which is based on calculating the most efficient route between many places
* In [[computability theory]] a [[decision problem]] requires a simple yes-or-no answer.
* In [[rock climbing]] a problem is a series of [[climbing hold]]s that forces the climber to plan and execute a certain maneuver.
==See also==
* [[Concern]]
* [[Heuristic]]
* [[How to Solve It]]
* [[Question]]
* [[Problem-based learning]]
* [[Problematization]]
==References==
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