how would you solve a problem that you've never had to solve before?

This seems to me to be a question that is very open ended. First solving a problem involves having a problem. Therefore, it only seems right to start by addressing the problem. Solving the problem involves admitting there is a problem and focusing on what type of problem has evolved. Different problems call for different solutions and different ways to obtaining that solution. We asses this type of situation constantly. Take for example, "should I stop for breakfast and risk being late for class". After finding the problem I normally weight the pros and cons in looking for which has more pros than cons. My thought process on this particular problem would go something like... Pros of getting breakfast: more attentive and not focuses on hunger, healthy to eat breakfast, breakfast supplies needed nutrients to get through the rest of the day. Cons to getting breakfast: it is rude to be last to class, it is disruptive at some times to eat, the teacher or students might get distracted by the food, possibly being marked absent for only missing a few minutes. Once the pros and cons are established I would go back through and place a hierarchal system to the each pro and con. This is because some may be more important that others. Once this is done I would have established which option would be better and the problems is resolved. I take this same approach to most problems I face.