Problem Solving


What is a problem?

Generally, it is a situation you want
to change!
A problem is a situation that
conforms the learner, that requires
resolution, and for which the path of the
answer is not immediately known.
There is an obstacle that prevents one
from setting a clear path to the answer.
What is a Problem Solving

Problem Solving has been defined
as higher-order cognitive process
that requires the modulation and
control of more routine or
fundamental skills" (Goldstein
& Levin, 1987).
A. Understanding Reasoning

Mathematical reasoning refers to the
ability of a person to analyze problem
situations and construct logical
arguments to justify his process or
hypothesis, to create both conceptual
foundations and connections, in order
for him to be able to process available
information.
NCTM pointed out that….

People who can reason and think analytically
tend
To note patterns, structure, or regularities in
both real-world situations and symbolic
objects;
To ask if those patterns are accidental or if
they occur for a reason
To conjecture and prove
Reasoning

Students are expected to:
1. Define a statement
2. Identify the hypothesis and conclusion
in a statement
3. Write conditional statements
4. Write the Converse, Inverse,
Contrapositive of a given conditional
statement.
B. Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

What kind of thinking is used
when solving problems?
Inductive or deductive?
Inductive Reasoning

The type of reasoning that forms a conclusion
based on the examination of specific examples is called
inductive reasoning.
Specific
Conclusion
Examples
The conclusion formed by using inductive

reasoning is often called a conjecture, since it may or
may not be correct.
Examples
Example 1: 
A baby cries, then cries, then cries to get a milk.
We conclude that if a baby cries, he/she gets a milk.
Example 2:
Here is a sequence of numbers: 3, 6, 9, 12,
____
What is the 5th number?
We can easily conclude that the next number is 15.
Example 3:

You are asked to find the 6th and 7th
term in the sequence:
1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ______ , _____
The first two numbers differ by 2. The 2nd
and 3rd numbers differ by 3. The next difference
is 4, then 5. So, the next difference will be 6 and
Thus the 6th term is 15+ 6 = 21 while the 7th is
21 + 7 = 28.
Take note!

Inductive reasoning is not used just to
predict the next number in a list.
We use inductive reasoning to make a
conjecture about an arithmetic
procedure.
Make a conjecture about the example 2

and 3 in the previous slide…
Exercise
Use Inductive Reasoning
to Make a Conjecture

A. Consider the following procedure:
1. Pick a number.
2. Multiply the number by 10,
3. Add 8 to the product
4. Divide the sum by 2, and
5. Subtract 4.
Complete the above procedure for several different numbers.
Use inductive reasoning to make a conjecture about the relationship
between the size of the resulting number and the size of the original
number.
Exercise
Use Inductive Reasoning
to Make a Conjecture

D. Observe the two sets of polygons below:
What is the name of a polygon that can be used to

describe the polygons in column 2?
Use inductive reasoning to make a conjecture about the
polygons in column 2.
Take note:
Conclusions based on 
inductive reasoning may be
incorrect.
As an illustration, consider
the circles shown. For each
circle, all possible line
segments have been drawn to
connect each dot on the circle
with all the other dots on the
circle. For each circle, count
the number of regions formed
by the line segments that
connect the dots on the circle.
Counterexamples

A statement is a true statement
provided that it is true in all cases.
If you can find one case for which a
statement is not true, called a
counterexample, then the
statement is a false statement
DEDUCTIVE REASONING:

Another type of reasoning is called
deductive reasoning.
Deductive reasoning is distinguished
from inductive reasoning in that it is
the process of reaching a conclusion
by applying general principles and
procedures.

Mathematics is essentially deductive
reasoning
Deductive reasoning is always valid
Deductive reasoning makes use of
undefined terms, formally defined
terms, axioms, theorems, and rules of
inference.
Examples of Deductive Reasoning
Example 1:

If a number is divisible by 2, then it must be even.
12 is divisible by 2.
Therefore, 12 is an even number.
Example 2:
All math teachers know how to play sudoku.
Resty is a math teacher.
Therefore, Resty knows how to play sudoku.
Examples of Deductive Reasoning
Example 3:

If a student is a DOST scholar, he receives a
monthly allowance.
If a student receives a monthly allowance, his
parents will be happy.
Therefore, if a student is a DOST scholar, his
parents will be happy.
Take note:

The essence of deductive reasoning is
drawing a conclusion from a given
statement.
The deductive reasoning works best
when the statements used in the
argument are true and the statements
in the argument clearly follow from one
another.
Logic Puzzles

 Logic Puzzles can be solved by deductive reasoning and a chart
that enables us to display the given information in a visual
manner.
Example 1:
Each of four neighbors, Sean, Maria, Sarah, and Brian, has a
different occupation (editor, banker, chef, or dentist).
From the following clues, determine the occupation of each
neighbor.
1. Maria gets home from work after the banker but before the dentist.
2. Sarah, who is the last to get home from work, is not the editor.
3. The dentist and Sarah leave for work at the same time.
4. The banker lives next door to Brian.
SOLUTION
CLUES:
1. Maria gets home from work after the banker but before the dentist.
2. Sarah, who is the last to get home from work, is not the editor.
3. The dentist and Sarah leave for work at the same time.
4. The banker lives next door to Brian.
 ✓ We know from clue 1 that the
Editor Banker Chef Dentist
banker is not the last to get home,
Sean and we know from clue 2 that
X X X Sarah is the last to get home;
Maria therefore, Sarah is not the banker.
X X X ✓ From clue 3, Sarah is not the
Sarah
X X X dentist.
Brian
X X X ✓ As a result, Sarah is the Chef.
✓ Maria is the Editor.
✓ From clue 1: Maria is not the
banker or the dentist. ✓ From clue 4, Brian is not the banker.
✓ Brian is the Dentist.
✓ From clue 2, Sarah is not the
editor. ✓ Sean is the Banker.

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

The conclusion formed by using inductive

Make a conjecture about the example 2

What is the name of a polygon that can be used to

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