Final answer:
The first step in selecting an effective solution is to identify what needs to be determined in the problem, including making a list of unknown quantities and understanding the given information. In complex problems, it is not always obvious what needs to be found or in what sequence, so making a list can help.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first of the basic elements for selecting an effective solution is to identify exactly what needs to be determined in the problem (identify the unknowns). When faced with complex problems, it is crucial to delineate the precise information that is lacking or needed to find a resolution. This often means making a list of the 'unknown quantities' that need to be discovered to solve the problem.
Understanding the 'given' information is also essential in the problem-solving process. It is just as important to clearly recognise what the problem is asking you to 'find.' Doing so provides a foundation upon which you can build your method for finding an effective solution.