Module The Nature of Mathematics

3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/K2LWw4qn6RA/maxresdefault.jpg
Overview

Mathematics gives the focal piece that permits one to find approaches to think of
practical solutions. Most occupations need good problem-solving skills. For example, teachers
must solve many complicated problems as they design and construct lessons that are
readable, easy to understand and meet the standard of each learners. In farming, farmers must
have skills to solve problems. They also think and plan on how to improve their harvest and
how to meet the standard requirements in agriculture.

This section will help you to become a better problem solver and to show that problem
solving can be an enjoyable experience.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

a. Use different types of reasoning to justify statements and arguments made
about mathematics and Mathematical concepts (K)
b. Write clear and logical proofs (K)
c. Solve problems involving patterns and recreational problems following
Polya’s four steps (S)
d. Organize one’s methods and approaches for proving and solving problems
(V)

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Lesson 1: Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Many people think that deductive and inductive reasoning are the same thing. It is
assumed these words are synonymous but they are not. Watch this video to learn more
about inductive and deductive reasoning.

Watch:
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAjkQ1YqLEE

Inductive reasoning is the process of reaching a general conclusion by examining specific

examples.

Deductive reasoning is the process of reaching a conclusion by applying general

assumptions, procedures, or principles.

Logic is not…
Logic is not the study
of persuasion and
manipulative rhetorical
devices
‘successful argument’ does not mean persuasive argument
Human fallibility and manipulative rhetoric lead people to
• accept poor reasoning
• reject good reasoning

Remember, in a successful argument if the premises are true, then the conclusion is either
guaranteed to be true or likely to be true

Logic is the science of correct reasoning and reasoning is the drawing of inferences or
conclusions from known or assumed facts.

Reasoning can either be inductive or deductive.

The difference:
• inductive reasoning uses patterns to arrive at a conclusion (conjecture)
• deductive reasoning uses facts, rules, definitions or properties to arrive at a
conclusion.

In Deductive Reasoning,

In Inductive Reasoning,

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In Deductive Reasoning,

In Inductive Reasoning,

Lesson 2: Intuition Proof, and Certainty

Mathematical Intuition
Intuition is similar to guessing and also called reasoning by guessing or reasoning by
common sense. It requires mental activity. It is the ability to acquire knowledge without proof,
evidence, or conscious reasoning, or without understanding how the knowledge was
acquired. It is highly subjective.

Mathematical Proof
A proof is a sequence of true facts (statements) placed in a logical order. In proving,
the following may be used as reasons:
✓ the given information (the hypothesis)
✓ definition and undefined terms
✓ algebraic properties
✓ postulates of geometry
✓ previously proven geometric conjectures (theorems)

Mathematical Certainty
A certainty is something that is completely certain to happen.

Example from the Corpus:

We can possess a mathematical certainty that two and two make four, but this rarely
matters to us.

Watch: Listen to your Intuition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzRvKXiKbuw
What_is_certainty(360p)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0W8nnupcUk

Read: What is Mathematics Really? (Ch. 4&5) by R. Hersh)

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Lesson 3: Polya’s 4-steps in Problem Solving

Mathematical problem solving is finding a way around a difficulty, around an obstacle,

and finding a solution to a problem that is unknown. -George Polya

In 1945 George Polya published the book How to Solve It which quickly became his
most prized publication. It sold over one million copies and has been translated into 17
languages. In this book he identifies four basic principles of problem solving. He was the father
of problem solving.
Four Phases of Problem Solving

1. Understand the problem (SEE)

2. Devise a plan (PLAN)
3. Carry out the plan (DO)
4. Look back (CHECK)

1. UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

• Look for information given

• Visualize the information
• Organize the information
• Connect the information

2. DEVISE A PLAN
• To make a representation
-draw a diagram
- make a systematic list
- use equations
• To make a calculated guess
- guess and check
- look for a pattern
- make suppositions

• To go through the process

- act it out
- work backwards
- to change the problem
- restate the problem
- simplify the problem
- solve part of the problem

3. CARRYING OUT THE PLAN

• Use mathematical knowledge
• Use mathematical skills
• Use logical thinking

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4. LOOK BACK
• Check solution
– Is it reasonable?
- Improve on the method used
- Seek alternative solutions
- Extend the method to other problems
Example

A survey on Solid Waste Management at PUP Mulanay has 125 respondents. 45% of
them said that they were properly disposing their garbage. How many respondents said that
they were properly disposing their garbage?

Step 1: UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

Make sure that you read the question carefully several times.
We are looking for a number that is 45% of 125 respondents,
we will let x = the number of respondents who properly disposing their garbage

Step 2: DEVISE A PLAN

a number that is 45% of 125

x = .45(125)

Step 3: CARRY OUT THE PLAN

*Multiply
x=.45(125)
x=56.25

Step 4: LOOK BACK

56.25 is 45% of 125

FINAL ANSWER: 56 respondents said that they were properly disposing their garbage.

Watch: 4 Steps to Math Problem Solving

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk0Q37GDmJ8&t=37s

Lesson 4: Mathematical Problems Involving Patterns

A Sequence is a set of things (usually numbers) that are in order. If the sequence goes
on forever it is called an infinite sequence, otherwise it is a finite sequence

Infinite Sequence
Infinite Sequence is a function whose domain is the set of positive integers. The
function values a1, a2, a3, a4, …, an-1, an, … are terms of the sequence.
Examples
1. {1, 2, 3, 4 ,...} is a very simple sequence (and it is an infinite sequence)
2. {20, 25, 30, 35, ...} is also an infinite sequence
3. {1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, ...} is an infinite sequence where every term doubles

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Finite Sequence
If the domain of the function consists of the first n positive integers only, the sequence
is a finite sequence.
Examples
1. {1, 3, 5, 7} is the sequence of the first 4 odd numbers (and is a finite
sequence)
2. {4, 3, 2, 1} is 4 to 1 backwards
3. {a, b, c, d, e} is the sequence of the first 5 letters alphabetically
4. {f, r, e, d} is the sequence of letters in the name "fred"

General Sequence
A general sequence a1, a2, a3, a4, …, an-1, an, … having the first term a1, the second
term is a2, the third term is a3, and the nth term, also called the general term of the sequence,
is an.

Example

Write the first three terms of the sequence whose nth term is given by the formula
an = 3n + 1

Solution:
an = 3n + 1
a1 = 3(1) + 1 = 3 + 1 = 4
a2 = 3(2) + 1 = 6 + 1 = 7
a3 = 3(3) + 1 = 9 + 1 = 10

Thus, the first three terms of the sequence are 4, 7, and 10.

Difference Table
The difference table shows the differences between successive terms of the
sequence. The difference in rows maybe the first, second, and third differences.
Example
Construct the difference table to predict the next term of each sequence.
a. 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, …
Sequence 3 7 11 15 19 23
First Differences 4 4 4 4 4
The next term is 23

b. 1, 4, 9, 17, 28, …
Sequence 1 4 9 17 28 42
First Differences 3 5 8 11 14
Second Differences 3 3 3 3
The next term is 42
c. 6, 9, 14, 26, 50, 91, …
Sequence 6 9 14 26 50 91 154
First Differences 3 5 12 24 41 63
Second Differences 2 7 12 17 22
Third Differences 5 5 5 5
The next term is 154

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The Fibonacci Sequence

The Fibonacci sequence is one of the most famous formulas in mathematics. Each
number in the sequence is the sum of the two numbers that precede it. So, the sequence goes:
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and so on.

The Fibonacci Numbers

F1 = 1, F2 = 1, and Fn = Fn-1 + Fn-2 for n≥ 3.
Examples
1. Use the definition of Fibonacci numbers to find the seventh and eighth Fibonacci numbers.

Solution:
The first six Fibonacci numbers are 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8. The seventh Fibonacci number is the
sum of the two previous Fibonacci numbers. Thus,

F7 = F6 + F5 F8 = F7 + F 6
= 8+5 = 13 + 8
= 13 = 21
2. Determine whether each of the following statements about Fibonacci numbers is true or
false.
(Note: The first 10 terms of the Fibonacci sequence are 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and 55).

a. If n is even, then Fn is an odd number.

Solution

An examination of Fibonacci numbers shows that the second Fibonacci number, 1, is

odd and the fourth number, 3, is odd, but the sixth Fibonacci number, 8, is even. Thus the
statement “If n is even, then Fn is an odd number” is false.

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13

b. 2Fn – Fn-2 = Fn+1 for n≥3

Solution
Experiment to see whether 2Fn - Fn-2 = Fn+1 for several values of n. For instance, for n =
7, we get
2Fn - Fn-2 = Fn+1
2F7 – F7-2 = F7+1
2F7 - F5 = F8
2(13) – 5 = 21
26 – 5 = 21
21 = 21 TRUE

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Lesson 5: Recreational Problems using Mathematics

Mathematical activity which involves mathematical puzzles and games. Most topics
require no deeper knowledge in advanced mathematics. Some of the topics are magic square,
logic puzzles, aesthetics, culture mathematics, and others.

Examples
Magic Square of Order 3

Watch: Any Size Magic Square – Simple Three Step Method- LearnWithDiva
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKJmyLxpFQ

Palindromes of squares
12 = 1
112 = 121
1112 = 12,321
1,1112 = 1,234,321
11,1112 = 123,454,321
111,1112 = 12,345,654,321
1,111,1112 = 1,234,567,654,321
11,111,1112 = 123,456,787,654,321

9-digit Palindromic Primes

Plateau Primes Smoothly Undulating 5 Consecutive Digits

18888881 323232323 120343021
199999991 727272727 354767543
355555551 919191919 759686957

8 like Digits Peak Primes Valley Primes

111181111 123494321 765404567
111191111 345676543 987101789
777767777 345686543 987646789

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Pascal’s Triangle

The most famous palindrome triangles named after French mathematician Blaise Pascal
(1623-1662).

The Fibonacci sequence can be found in the sum of the diagonals of the Pascal’s Triangle.
1
11
121
1331
1 464 1
1 5 10 10 5 1
1 6 15 20 15 6 1
1 7 21 35 35 21 7 1

Given a magic six-pointed star, place the numbers

1 to 12 in the circles, using one of each.
Each line of four numbers should have the same total.

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Assessment
I. Inductive and Deductive reasoning.

A. Identify whether the statements are Deductive or Inductive reasoning.

1. You are a good student.

Answer:
You get all 90+.
Therefore, your friends must get all 90+ too
_____________________
____
_____________________
Answer:
______
2. Ninety percent of humans are right-handed.
Annabel is human; therefore, Annabel is right-handed.
_____________________
____
3. All oranges are fruits. _____________________
All fruits grow on trees Answer:
______
Therefore, all oranges grow on trees _____________________
____
4. Chloe hails from Visayas and Visayans are accented _____________________
in their mother tongue when they speak English. Answer:
______
Therefore, Chloe is accented. _____________________
____
_____________________
5. Every Filipino of age 18 and above can vote. ______
Answer:
Mario De Leon is a Flipino of age 20.
Therefore, Mario De Leon can vote.
_____________________
____
_____________________
B. Use inductive reasoning to determine the next three terms in the list of numbers below:
______
1. 50, 25, 0, -25, -50, _____, _____,_____
2. 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, ______, ______, ______
3. 2/3, 11/3, 20/3, 29/3, 38/3, _____,______,______
4. 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, _____,______,_______
5. 1, 8, 27, 64, 125, _____,______,______
II. Mathematical problems involving patterns
C. Construct a difference table to predict the next term of each sequence.
1. 1, 7, 17, 31, 49, 71, … _____
2. 10, 10, 12, 16, 22, 30, … _____
3. -1, 4, 21, 56, 115, 204, … _____
4. 0, 10, 24, 56, 112, 190, … _____
5. 9, 4, 3, 12, 37, 84, … _____

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D. Use the given nth-term formula to compute the first five terms of the sequence.
1. an = n – 2 _____, _____,_____,_____,_____
2. an = 3n _____, _____,_____,_____,_____
3. an = 4n3 – n2 _____, _____,_____,_____,_____
1
4. an = _____, _____,_____,_____,_____
𝑛+1

𝑛(2𝑛+1)
5. an = _____, _____,_____,_____,_____
2

E. Write down a sequence for the number of shapes/dots in each pattern. Explain how to
obtain the next number/figure.
1.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

III. Polya’s 4-steps in Problem Solving

F. Use Polya’s four-step problem solving strategy and the problem-solving procedures
presented in this section to solve each of the following exercises.
1. Mrs. Mendoza withdrew ¼ of her savings early in May and later deposited a total of ₱
2,500 on four separate days. If her bank statement showed a balance of ₱ 4,500 after four
deposits, what was the balance immediately before her withdrawal?
2. 20 kilograms of peanuts that sell for 30 per kilogram are mixed with corn that sell for 50
per kilogram. How many kilograms of peanuts must be used so that the mixture sells for
40?

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3. Fill in the small boxes with digits 1 – 9 such that each horizontal, vertical, and diagonal line
of numbers must add up to the same sum.
Magic Square

4. In a party there are 8 people. If everyone at the party shakes hands with everyone else,
how many handshakes would there be?
5. A frog is in a well 12 feet deep. Each day it climbs up 3 feet and each night it slips back 2
feet. How many days will it take the frog to get out of the well?
6. What is the sum of the first twenty counting numbers?
7. Elyra, Ejah, Wino, Angel and Wenet are aliens on a space ship.
Ejah is younger than Angel.
Ejah is not the youngest in the group.
Only one alien is older than Wenet.
Wenet is younger than Wino.
Arrange Elyra, Ejah, Wino, Angel and Wenet in order of increasing age.

IV. Recreational Problem using Mathematics.

1. Manny is playing with his pencils. He had 13 pencils to create 6 identical rectangles. His
sister Ana borrowed one pencil. Now he needs to use 12 pencils to create 6 identical
rectangles. All twelve pencils must be used.

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2. Find the solution to the following recreational problems and give your answer:

b. If c. If
a. If 1+2=9
1+4=5
7 = 70 2 + 6 = 14 2 + 5 = 21
6 = 54 3 + 8 = 27 5 + 11 = 48
5 = 40 4 + 9 = 40 7 + 15 = 66
4 = 28 then Then
then 4 + 20 = ?
8 + 11 = ?
2= ?

3. Show how to move 3 matches to make 3 squares all the same size.

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Grading System

Standard/Basis for Grading to Use.

(i) Numerical Scores for A - E.
(ii) Rubric for number test III & IV.

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References

Adam, J. A. (2011). Mathematics in Nature: Modeling Patterns in the Natural World.

Princeton University Press.
Adam, J. A. (2015). A Mathematical Nature Walk. https://ifarus.com/mathematical-
nature-wal-john-adam .
Aufmann, R. (2018). Mathematics in the Modern World. Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book
Store, Inc.
Chein, A. a. (n.d.). Mathematics Excursions.
Daligdig, R. (2019). Mathematics in the Modern World. Qezon City, Manila: Lorimar
Publishing, Inc.
Education, C. o. (2013). General education curriculum: Holistic understandings,
intellectual and civic competencies. . Retrieved March 31, 2017, from
http://www.ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/ 07/CMO-No.20-s2013.pdf .
Enzensberger, H. M. (2016). The Number Devil .
Hipolito, L. M. (2019). Mathematics in the Modern World. Sampaloc, Manila: Rex
Book Store, Inc. .
Polytechnic University of the Philippines. (1998-2020). Vision and Mission. Retrieved
from pup.edu.ph: https://www.pup.edu.ph/about/vm
Ruiz, A. a. (2008). A day’s adventure in Math Wonderland.
Sirug, W. (2018). Mathematics in the Modern World. Intramuros, Manila :
Mindshapers Co.,Inc. .
Stewart, I. ( 1997). Nature’s Number: the unreal reality of Mathematics . Basic Books,
A division of HarperCollins Publisher, Inc.

Online:
Math Problem Solving Strategies (solutions, examples, videos)
https://www.onlinemathlearning.com/math-problem-solving-strategies.html
iRubric: Math-Solving Multi-Step Word Problems rubric-
FX7A36B:RCampus(2020).Reazon System,Inc.
https://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?sp=yes&code=FX7A36B&
Learn With Diva (2018, April 29). Any size Magic Square-Simple Three Step Method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKJmyLxpFQ
Sabrina Knoopf (2016, April 18). 4 step to Math Problem Solving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk0Q37GDmJ8&t=37s
After Skool (2017, February 26). Listen to your Intuition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzRvKXiKbuw
2 minute theory of Knowledge (2018, August 9) What is Reliability?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0W8nnupcUk

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