MM15: Problem Solving, Mathematical Investigation and Modeling

Course Description:
The course deepens and further enhances the students' understanding of real-life
applications of mathematics through investigating, pattern finding, testing, and justifying
conjectures, and generalizations making.

Prerequisite:
Advance Algebra, Geometry, Logic and set Theory

Minimum Standard for Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics

a. Exhibit competence in mathematical concepts and procedures.
b. Exhibit proficiency in relating mathematics to other curricular areas.
c. Manifest meaningful and comprehensive pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of
mathematics.
d. Demonstrate competence in designing, constructing and utilizing different forms of
assessment in mathematics.
e. Demonstrate proficiency in problem-solving by solving and creating routine and non-
routine problems with different levels of complexity.
f. Use effectively appropriate approaches, methods, and techniques in teaching
mathematics including technological tools.
g. Appreciate mathematics as an opportunity for creative work, moments of
enlightenment, discovery and gaining insights of the world.

Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the 21st century skills for students.
2. Use CAF tool is solving mathematical problems.
3. Develop critical thinking skills by using available thinking tool/s.

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MM15LM1: 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking

Notes

Introduction
Students in the 21st century need a set of skills to develop in order for them to thrive.
Generally, there are 12 of them namely: Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration,
Communication, Information literacy, Media literacy, Technology literacy, Flexibility,
Leadership, Initiative, Productivity, and Social skills.
These skills are distinct from each other. However, there is one thing common
among them. They can all be linked to internet.
These 12 skills can also be categorized into three groups of skills, namely: Learning
skills, Literacy skills, and Life skills.

Learning skills (the four C’s) teaches students about the mental processes
required to adapt and improve upon a modern work environment.

Literacy skills (IMT) focuses on how students can discern facts, publishing outlets,
and the technology behind them. There’s a strong focus on determining trustworthy
sources and factual information to separate it from the misinformation that floods
the Internet.

Life skills (FLIPS) take a look at intangible elements of a student’s everyday life.
These intangibles focus on both personal and professional qualities.

In this subject we will focus more of the Learning Skills particularly on Critical
Thinking and Creativity.

Critical thinking is necessary in finding solutions to problems. It is essential for

improvement and figuring out stuff in our day-to-day life.

Creativity on the other hand is essential in adaptation. This skill encourages

everyone to see concepts in different perspective which may lead to innovation. This skill
will require a paradigm shift. What was best before may not anymore be very relevant at
present, therefore change is necessary.

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Why critical Thinking?
Human by nature thinks. However much of our thinking if left to itself, is biased,
distorted, partial, uninformed, or down-right prejudiced. Yet the quality of our life and that of
what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy
thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must
be systematically cultivated.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is that mode of thinking - about any subject, content, or problem - in
which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the
structures inherent in thinking and imposing intellectual standards upon them.

Characteristics of a well cultivated critical thinker.

• He/she raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely.
• He/she gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret
it effectively comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against
relevant criteria and standards.
• He/she thinks open mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and
assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical
consequences; and
• He/she communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex
problems.

How to develop critical Thinking skills?

Like any other skills, critical thinking skills need to be developed. For it to be
developed certain tools are needed. Edward de Bono created a set of thinking tools known
as CoRT (Cognitive Research Trust).
Like any daily tasks, we need to use certain tools to accomplish it. Using wrong
tools, no matter how much effort we give may not necessarily produce a result.
In solving mathematical problems, we need to use thinking tools to find a solution
effectively and efficiently.
According to de Bono the method of thinking he developed is called the “glasses
method.” He said, if you have poor eyesight, you cannot see the world clearly. With glasses

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you can see the world more clearly. As a result, your actions can be more appropriate and
your behavior more effective.
One of the thinking tools de Bono developed is the CAF( Consider all Factors). This
tool encourages the thinker to look as wide as possible. In mathematics, coming up with the
right answer is not always the concern. There are times that we must find ways of solving
and then evaluate which among the solutions is better if not the best.

Example 1: Find the value of x and y in the following system of linear equation. (Clue: use
all possible method of solving.) Show your solutions below.
x + 2y = 5
2x − y = 0
a. Solving by substitution
x + 2y = 5 x + 2y =5
x = 5 − 2y 2x − y =0
2x − y = 0 −y = −2 x
2 ( 5 − 2y ) − y = 0 y = 2x
10 − 4 y − y = 0 x + 2y =5
−5 y = −10 x + 2 ( 2x ) = 5
−10 x + 4x = 5
y=
−5 5x = 5
y =2 5
x=
5
x = 5 − 2y x =1
x = 5 − 2 ( 2) y = 2x
x =5−4 y = 2 (1)
x =1 y =2
(1,2 ) (1,2 )
Exercise: Show two more solutions different from above using substitution.

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b. Solving by Elimination
x + 2y = 5 x + 2y = 5
( 2 x − y = 0 ) 2 = 4 x − 2y = 0 1 + 2y = 5
2y = 5 − 1
x + 2y = 5 2y = 4
4 x − 2y = 0 4
y=
5x = 5 2
5 y =2
x=
5 (1,2 )
x =1
Exercise: Show two more solutions different from above using elimination.

c. Solving by Graphing
x + 2y = 5 2x − y = 0
y =0 y =0
2x − 0 = 0
x + 2 (0) = 5
0
x =5 x=
2
( 5,0 ) x = 0 → ( 0,0 )
y =1 y =2
2x − 2 = 0
x + 2 (1) = 5
2x = 2
x =5−2 2
x=
x =3 2
( 3,1) x = 1 → (1,2 )

Exercise: Show two more solutions. (hint: Use different ways of graphing a line)

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Example 2: Place the digits 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 in these circles so that the sums across and
vertically are the same. Describe the strategy you used to find your solution(s).

Sample Answer: Exercise: Show two more solutions.

More Exercises/Written Activities

1. Using each of 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 once and only once, fill in the circles so that the sums of
the numbers on each side of the three sides of the triangle are equal. How was the strategy you used
for Example #2 similar to the strategy you used to solve this problem?

………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………..………………………
………………………………………………………………………
…………..……………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………

2. Study the sample diagram. Note that

2 + 8 = 10 5+3=8 2+5=7 8 + 3 = 11

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3. Nine square tiles are laid out on a table so that they make a solid pattern. Each tile must
touch at least one other tile along an entire edge. One example is shown below.

a. What are the possible perimeters of all the figures that can be formed?
b. Which figure has the least perimeter?

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References:

1. Bri Stauffer, What Are 21st Century Skills?, March 19th, 2020
https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/what-are-21st-century-skills
2. Richard Paul and Linda Elder, The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and
Tools, Foundation for Critical Thinking Press, 2008
3. Dr. Ron Pelfrey, Open-ended questions for mathematics.
https://www.uky.edu/OtherOrgs/ARSI/www.uky.edu/pub/arsi/openresponsequestions/mat
horq.pdf

Philippians 4:13
I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me.

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