This study is done with a view to find out the influence of lateral thinking in determining the problem solving ability in mathematics of children studying at the high school level. Lateral thinking is the ability to think creatively, to use inspiration and imagination to solve problems by looking at them from perspectives other than the common ones (Flavell, 1990). It involves discarding general processes, leaving behind traditional approaches, and throwing away preconceptions (Sternberg, 1992).

In this study, 80 high school children were considered as samples. Concepts in Algebra, Logarithms, Functions, Trigonometry and Theoretical Geometry were taught, and a test was framed aligned to lateral thinking dimensions. Results revealed that around 55% of students who applied lateral thinking solved problems with ease and within time, while students who used conventional methods took longer. The study concludes that effective application of lateral thinking in mathematics teaching enhances students' problem-solving abilities.