An overlooked aspect of isomorphism in teaching verbal problems

Abstract

The isomorphism postulate of problem solving says that the three phases of problem solving--the problem, its mathematical representation and the verbal answer--must be isomorphic. There are two possibilities to conform to this postulate. One is the approach of indirect meaning, the other, the approach of overdetermined system. Violation of the isomorphism postulate is not only a mistake in itself, but also emanates to other parts of mathematics and causes further mistakes. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.