(1) heuristics (pronounced hyoo-ris' tiks) are rules of thumb that 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 taskschoosing a topic,
doing the research, preparing an outline, writing the first draft, editing, rewriting, and so on.
4. the major supporting details of this paragraph are