It is unclear what is meant by the term “real world problems” in the usual terminology of K – 12 discussions. The second example, the problem from the 1992 California Mathematics Framework on fairness was meant to be a real-world problem. However, in absolute terms, we can understand real world to mean the kinds of problems that mathematicians are asked to help solve outside of mathematics. Typically, such problems are not well-posed. Here is one that that came up in robotics. “Automated vehicles on factory floors usually are guided by wires embedded in the floor. How does one program these vehicles to avoid one another and get to where they are supposed to go as efficiently as possible?” As stated, the problem is far too vague. What do we mean by “vehicle,” “guided,” “efficiently?” One has to start making assumptions, checking them for reasonableness, and gradually create one or more well-posed problems that are sufficiently precise to be mathematical in nature, but are still sufficiently related to the original question that the answers will be useful. Sometimes, as the fairness example illustrates, it will not be possible to convert the question into a problem in mathematics that has a sensible relationship with the original. It is not possible to quantify fairness in a situation this general. At present, applying mathematical thinking to non-mathematical problems is still an art-form. In theory it should be possible to state general principles that will often be useful in such a setting, but it is difficult to believe that we have anything useful to say at this time – except that when we discuss problem solving, we should repeat, almost as a mantra, the sentence of the paragraph above One has to start making assumptions, checking them for reasonableness, and gradually create one or more well-posed problems that are sufficiently precise to be mathematical in nature, but are still sufficiently related to the original question that the answers will be useful. When working with pre-service and in-service teachers, it seems to be vital that the step of creating well-posed problems from ill-posed questions must be carefully separated from the issues involved in recognizing when a problem is well-posed. A Real World Problem In our general discussion the following remarkable e-mail exchange occurred recently between two mathematicians, A and B. A's question: Why do you multiply 26x26 to find how many 2-letter acronyms there are. Teachers should be able to explain such things very clearly. B's first response: Just want to make sure you didn't have any other answers in mind other than the fact that adding 26 to itself 26 times takes too long