(1) Heuristics (pronounced hyoo-ris' tiks) are rules of thumb that help us to simplify problems. (2) They do not guarantee a solution, but they may bring it within reach. (3) A very simple heuristic method is hill-climbing. (4) In this process, we try to
move continually closer to our final goal without ever digressing or going backward. (5) On a multiple-choice test, for
example, one useful strategy in answering each question is to eliminate the alternatives that are obviously incorrect. (6) Even
if this does not leave you with the one correct answer, you are closer to a solution. (7) Or in trying to balance a budget, each
reduction in expenses brings you closer to the goal and leaves you with a smaller deficit to deal with. (8) Another heuristic
method is the creation of subgoals. (9) By setting subgoals, we can often break a problem into smaller, more manageable
pieces, each of which is easier to solve than the problem as a whole. (10) A student whose goal is to write a history paper
might set subgoals by breaking down the work into a series of separate tasks: choosing a topic, doing the research, preparing
an outline, writing the first draft, editing, rewriting, and so on.
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