What does it mean to solve a problem? Is it simply to get a solution, or to get an optimal solution? Because the only difference is the process by which the solution was derived, which also extends to how it is applied.

To answer the question, we need to define what a problem and a solution mean.

A problem is the existence of an undesirable condition.

A solution is the action taken to move from an undesirable condition to a desirable one.

To understand this more clearly, let’s meet Mr. Solomon.

Mr. Solomon has a problem, an undesirable condition in which he needs a Toyota Camry to start an Uber business. The cost of acquiring this car is approximately 7 million Naira. The only desirable condition here is to get the Toyota Camry.

This leaves Mr. Solomon with multiple solutions.

Solution 1: Go to a car dealership and steal the Toyota Camry.

Solution 2: Borrow the car from his friend every time he needs to drop off a passenger.

Solution 3: Use 60% of his savings to purchase the car.

When you think about it, you notice that all three actions are termed “solutions” because they move Mr. Solomon from an undesirable state—wanting a car, to a desirable state—having a car. The question, however, is: which of these solutions is the most optimal, and why?

From common sense, we can already tell that Solution 1 is the fastest. However, it is also the most foolish, because not only will he lose the car in the future, he will also end up in jail.

Solution 2 is plausible, as it does solve the problem. However, it is very slow. Mr. Solomon would have to constantly ask his friend about the availability of the car before making plans, which makes the process unnecessarily hard.

Solution 3 is the most optimal. It is fast, and it does not lead to any negative consequence or create a new problem.

With this framework, it is logical to say that the optimal solution to a given problem is one where the process of deriving and carrying out the action takes the shortest time possible and does not lead to another undesirable condition.

We can now answer our original question: “What does it mean to solve a problem?”

To solve a problem is to create and apply actions that move one from an undesirable condition to a desirable condition, while ensuring that these actions are developed in the shortest time possible and that their application does not lead to another undesirable condition.

God is helping us