Partly because of the nature of online chats, it sometimes happens that one member of a group will make an interesting suggestion, or bring up an interesting idea; and for one reason or another, it isn't heard by the rest of the group, e.g.,

A: I think we're supposed to make an equation for
A: the volume, and one for the area.
B: But don't they have to be in the same equation?
A: But is x the number of sides, or the length of each side?
C: Would it be helpful to make a guess and check it?
B: I think it works better if it's the number of sides. 
A: We've only solve linear equations.  
A: I don't think this one is going to be linear.

It can be a good idea to go back periodically and scan for this kind of thing, especially when you feel like you've run out of ideas. Sometimes they're right in front of you!