The last step in Polya’s four steps in problem solving is “Look back” or “Review the solution.”

This step means you:

  • Check if your answer is correct and reasonable.
  • Go over your method to see why it works and where you might improve next time.
  • Think about whether there is a simpler, clearer, or more elegant way to solve the same problem.

A quick way to remember all four steps:

  1. Understand the problem.
  2. Devise a plan.
  3. Carry out the plan.
  4. Look back / Review the solution (the last step).

In practice, “looking back” is like doing a quick post-game analysis after a match: you already have the result, but you learn the most by reviewing how you got there and how you could do even better next time.

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