Reasoning: Logic and Reasoning Backwards

Starting from the end of the problem and working backwards to the original condition is a problem-solving technique that should be part of any good problem-solver’s arsenal. This is a problem-solving technique that is well known and is used in many disciplines. It is also known as retrograde analysis, backward chaining, and backward induction. As Holmes noted, however, familiarity with the usual approach of trying to push forwards until we reach a stumbling block, often giving up, often prevents us from trying a more successful approach of starting from the end and working backwards!