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Mathematics in The Modern World: Problem Solving and Reasoning

The document discusses problem solving and reasoning in mathematics. It describes Polya's four phases of problem solving: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back on the solution. It provides examples of logic puzzles and interview questions that involve mathematical problem solving and reasoning.

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Allan Melvin Comia
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139 views9 pages

Mathematics in The Modern World: Problem Solving and Reasoning

The document discusses problem solving and reasoning in mathematics. It describes Polya's four phases of problem solving: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back on the solution. It provides examples of logic puzzles and interview questions that involve mathematical problem solving and reasoning.

Uploaded by

Allan Melvin Comia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mathematics in the Modern World

The Nature of Mathematics Problem Solving and Reasoning 1/9

Mathematics in the Modern World


Problem Solving and Reasoning

Joel Reyes Noche, Ph.D.


[email protected]

Department of Mathematics
Ateneo de Naga University

Council of Deans and Department Chairs of Colleges of Arts and Sciences Region V
Conference and Enrichment Sessions on the New General Education Curriculum
Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City
September 2, 2017–September 3, 2017
Mathematics in the Modern World
The Nature of Mathematics Problem Solving and Reasoning 2/9

Problem Solving and Reasoning


Mathematics is not just about numbers; much of it is problem solving and reasoning

Learning outcomes
I Use different types of reasoning to justify statements and
arguments made about mathematics and mathematical
concepts.
I Write clear and logical proofs.
I Solve problems involving patterns and recreational problems
following Polya’s four steps.
I Organize one’s methods and approaches for proving and
solving problems.
Mathematics in the Modern World
The Nature of Mathematics Problem Solving and Reasoning 3/9

Polya’s four phases in solving problems


(Polya, 1957, p. 5)

Trying to find the solution, we may repeatedly change


our point of view, our way of looking at the problem. We
have to shift our position again and again. Our
conception of the problem is likely to be rather
incomplete when we start the work; our outlook is
different when we have made more progress; it is again
different when we have almost obtained the solution.
Mathematics in the Modern World
The Nature of Mathematics Problem Solving and Reasoning 4/9

Polya’s four phases in solving problems (continuation)


(Polya, 1957, pp. 5–6)

In order to group conveniently the questions and


suggestions of our list, we shall distinguish four phases of
the work. First, we have to understand the problem; we
have to see clearly what is required. Second, we have to
see how the various items are connected, how the
unknown is linked to the data, in order to obtain the idea
of the solution, to make a plan. Third, we carry out our
plan. Fourth, we look back at the completed solution, we
review and discuss it.
Mathematics in the Modern World
The Nature of Mathematics Problem Solving and Reasoning 5/9

Can you solve “Einstein’s Riddle”?


A TED-Ed Original lesson by Dan Van der Vieren, 2015

(5:12): https://youtu.be/1rDVz Fb6HQ

See also http://ed.ted.com/lessons/


can-you-solve-einstein-s-riddle-dan-van-der-vieren.
Mathematics in the Modern World
The Nature of Mathematics Problem Solving and Reasoning 6/9

Can you solve the control room riddle?


A TED-Ed Original lesson by Dennis Shasha, 2016

(4:01): https://youtu.be/3mbdiky5dLw

See also http://ed.ted.com/lessons/


can-you-solve-the-control-room-riddle-dennis-shasha.
Mathematics in the Modern World
The Nature of Mathematics Problem Solving and Reasoning 7/9

A sample interview question for mathematics


(University of Oxford, n.d.)

“Imagine a ladder leaning against


a vertical wall with its feet on the
ground. The middle rung of the
ladder has been painted a different
colour on the side, so that we can
see it when we look at the ladder
from the side on. What shape does
that middle rung trace out as the
ladder falls to the floor?”
A solution can be found in Gutenmacher and Vasilyev (2004, p. 1).
Mathematics in the Modern World
The Nature of Mathematics Problem Solving and Reasoning 8/9

Sample exam question

The following problem is paraphrased from page 3 of V. I. Arnold’s


book Problems for children from 5 to 15:
Explain what is wrong with the following mathematics word
problem:
The hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle is 10 inches,
the altitude dropped onto it is 6 inches. Find the area of
the triangle.
Hint: Any right triangle can be inscribed in a semicircle with the
hypotenuse of the triangle as the diameter of the circle.
Mathematics in the Modern World
References 9/9

Gutenmacher, V., & Vasilyev, N. B. (2004). Lines and curves: A


practical geometry handbook. Boston, MA: Birkhäuser.
Polya, G. (1957). How to solve it: A new aspect of mathematical
method (2nd ed.). Princeton, NJ: Princeton University
Press.
University of Oxford. (n.d.). Sample interview questions. Retrieved
April 28, 2017, from http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/
undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/interviews/
sample-interview-questions

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