This study addresses the question: “what is problem-solving ability?” and an
attempt is made to answer the question from three points of view: Principles
and Standards for School Mathematics Principles and Standards, National
Council of Teachers a sample of mathematics educators
and a sample of mathematicians. The Principles and Standards defines problem
solving as “engaging in a task for which the solution method is not known in
advance” and mathematics educators agree. Mathematicians
are not concerned that the solution method is not known in advance, only that
the solution method is not given in advance. The suggestion is given that if the
solving of routine problems is overlooked, an important part of mathematics
education is being missed.