Mathematics in the Modern World

MODULE 3:
Problems, Reasons and Solutions in
Mathematics

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the chapter, students will be able to;
 demonstrate abilities of reason and logic to arrive at a solution
 distinguish inductive reasoning from deductive reasoning
 organize one’s method and approaches for proving and solving problems
 solve problems using different problem solving strategies

OVERVIEW
Deeper understanding of
problem leads to better solution.
The problems and solutions alike
vary and may range from simple to
difficult. Mathematics provides the
central piece that allows one to
discover ways to come up with a
practical solution. Every day in our
life, whether we’re student, a parent,
an ordinary person or the president
of the country, we always face many
problems that needs solving.
Whether the problem is big or small,
we all set objectives to our selves,
face hardships, and make every effort to overcome them. But what you might know is
there’s an easy way to arrive over and over again at effective and satisfying solution. In
this chapter, problem solving, its benefits and the different strategies that can be used
to solve problem will be discussed.
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Lesson I: Inductive Reasoning

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the chapter, students will be able to;
 recognize inductive reasoning
 utilize inductive reasoning in solving problems
 show commitment in solving problems

Inductive Reasoning
The type of reasoning that forms a conclusion based on the examination of
specific examples is called inductive reasoning. The conclusion formed by inductive
reasoning is conjecture, since it may or may not be correct.
Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning is the process of reaching a general conclusion by
examining a specific examples.
When you examine a list of numbers and predict the next number in the list according
to some pattern you have observed, you are using inductive reasoning.
EXAMPLE
1. Use Inductive Reasoning to Predict a Number
Use inductive reasoning to predict the next number in each of the following lists.
a. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ? b. 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ?
Solution
a. Each successive number is 3 larger than the preceding number. Thus we predict
that the next number in the list is 3 larger than 15, which is 18.
b. The first two numbers differ by 2. The second and the third numbers differ by
3.
It appears that the difference between any two numbers is always 1 more than
the preceding difference. Since 10 and 15 differ than 5, we predict that the next
number in the list will be 6 larger than 15, which is 21.
2. We use inductive reasoning to make a conjecture about an arithmetic
procedure.
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Consider the following procedure: Pick a number. Multiply the number by 8, add 6 to
the product, divide the sum by 2, and subtract 3.
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.

Solution
Suppose we pick 5 as our original number. Then the procedure would produce the
following results:

Original number: 5
Multiply by 8: 8 x 5 = 40
Add 6: 40 + 6 = 46
Divide by 2: 46 ÷2 = 23
Subtract 3: 23 – 3 = 20

We started with 5 and followed the procedure to produce 20. Starting with 6 as
our original number produces a final result of 24. Starting with 10 produces a final
result of 40. Starting with 100 produces a final result of 400. In each of these cases the
resulting number is four times the original number. We conjecture that following the
given procedure produces a number that is four times the original number.

Scientists often use inductive reasoning. For instance Galileo Galilei (1564-
1642) used inductive reasoning to discover that the time required for a pendulum to
complete one swing, called the period of the pendulum, depends on the length of the
pendulum. Galileo did not have a clock, so he measured the periods of pendulums in
“heartbeats.”

The following table shows some results obtained for pendulums of various lengths. For
the sake of convenience, as length of 10 inches has been designated as 1 unit.
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Length of pendulum in Period of pendulum, in

units heartbeats
1 1

4 2

9 3

16 4 The period of pendulum is the time

it takes for the pendulum to swing
25 5 from left to right and back to its
original position
36 6

3. Use Inductive Reasoning to Solve an Application

Use the data in the above table and inductive reasoning to answer each of the
following questions.
a. If a pendulum has a length of 49 units, what is its period?
b. If the length of a pendulum is quadrupled, what happens to its period?

Solution
a. In the table, each pendulum has a period that is the square if its square
root of its length. Thus we conjecture that a pendulum with a length of
49 units will have a period of 7 heartbeats.

b. In the table, a pendulum with a length of 4 units has a period that is twice
that of a pendulum with a length of 1 unit. A pendulum with a length of
16 units has a period that is twice that of a pendulum with a length of 4
units. It appears that quadrupling the length of a pendulum doubles its
period.
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Inductive Reasoning
QUIZ 5
I. 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. 50, 100, 200, 350, 550, ___, ___, ___.
5. -14, 12, -2, 10, 8, ___, ___, ___.

II. Support the conjecture inductively by showing three examples:

1. The product of an odd integer and an even integer is an even integer.

2. Think of a number. Add it to 5, multiply by 2 and the subtract 7. What is the

result?
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Lesson II: Deductive Reasoning

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the chapter, students will be able to;
 understand deductive reasoning
 utilize deductive reasoning in solving problems
 show commitment in solving problems

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.
Deductive reasoning is the process of reaching a conclusion by applying general
assumptions, procedures, or principles.

EXAMPLE
1. Use Deductive Reasoning to Establish a Conjecture
Use deductive reasoning to show that the following procedures a number
that is four times the original number.
Procedure: Pick a number. Multiply the number by 8, add 6 to the product, divide the
sum by 2, and subtract 3.
Let n represent the original number.
Multiply the number by 8: 8n
Add 6 to the product: 8n + 6
8𝑛+6
Divide the sum by 2: = 4n+3
2

Subtract 3: 4n + 3 – 3 = 4n

We started with n and ended with 4n. The procedure given in this example produces
a number that is four times the original number.

Deductive Reasoning in Mathematics

 Mathematics in the Modern World

You may have observed that some of your math classes made extensive use of
deductive reasoning to prove theorems and solve problems. The following quote by the
mathematician Paul R. Halmos (1916-2006) advocates that you no limit yourself to
only using deductive reasoning to prove theorems.
Mathematics is not a deductive science – that’s a cliché. When you try to prove a
theorem, you don’t just list the hypotheses, and then start to reason. When you try to
prove a theorem, you don’t just list the hypotheses, and then start to reason. What you
do is trial and error, experimentation, guesswork.”
I want to be a Mathematician: An Automathography (1985).
Inductive Reasoning vs. Deductive Reasoning
In Example we analyze arguments to determine whether they use inductive or deductive
reasoning.
EXAMPLE Determine Types of Reasoning
Determine whether each of the following arguments is an example of inductive
reasoning or deductive reasoning.
a. During the past 10 years, a tree has produced plums every other year. The
contractor estimated that my home improvement will cost $35,000. Thus my
home improvement will cost more than $35,000
b. Because the conclusion is a specific case of a general assumption, this argument
is an example of deductive reasoning.

EXAMPLE
1. All members of the club can use the clubs pool. Deanna is a member of the
club. Therefore, Deanna can use the club’s pool.
2. All numbers are divisible by 3 if the sum of the digits is divisible by 3.
Consider 339. The sum of 3, 3 and 9 and 15. Therefore 339 is divisible by
3.
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Deductive Reasoning
QUIZ 6

I. Solve for x in the following equation. 15pts.

1. 3(x+4) – 2x = 20

2. 3x + 8(x-1) = 47

3. ½ (x+2) = 5(x + 2)

II. Complete the following: 10 pts

1. In order to get a student driver’s license, a person must be 16 years old. Lyn
will be 16 years old in two days.
Conclusion:

2. All tangible materials are destined to depreciate. A car is a tangible material.

Conclusion:
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Lesson III: Problem Solving Strategies

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the chapter, students will be able to;

 follow different steps in problem solving
 apply the different problem solving strategies in solving real life problems
 solve accurately recreational math problem such as logic, puzzles, math tricks,
etc.

The world problem may have different meanings depending on context. In

English problem is any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty
or a question proposed for a solution or discussion. In business, a problem is a
perceived gap between the existing state and a desired state or a deviation from a norm,
a standard or status quo. In mathematics, a problem is statement requiring a solution,
usually by means of mathematical operation/ geometric construction.
In problem solving, it is important for us to understand first these three words
“method”, “answer”, and “solution”. The word “method” means the ways or
techniques used to get an answer which will involve one or more problem solving
strategies. On the other hand, the word “answer” means a umber, quantify or some
other entity that the problem is asking for. Finally the word “solution” is the whole
process of solving a problem, including the method of obtaining an answer and the
answer itself.

method + answer = solution

Problem solving is about resolving problems. It is finding solution and not just
answer to problems.
Problem solving is a process- an on going activity in which we take what we
know to discover what we don’t know. It involves overcoming obstacles by generating
hypo-theses, testing those prediction and arriving at satisfactory solution.

Four Steps in Problem Solving

1. Understand the problem
2. Devise a plan
3. Carry Out the Plan
4. Look Back
Strategy 1: Identifying a Subgoal Strategy
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Identifying a Subgoal Strategy is used when solving math problems that need
to be solved in more than a single step and each step can be solve separately. Many
large and complex problems can be solved by using this strategy.

EXAMPLE:
1. Magic Square Problem (Magic Squares are square grids with a special
arrangement of numbers in them. these number are special because every row,
column and diagonal adds up to the same number.)
Arrange the number from 1 to 9 in a 3 x 3 magic square so that the sum of
every row, column and diagonal adds up to the same number.
SOLUTION:
Step 1: Understanding the problem
Remember that we have the number 1 to 9 which are to be arranged in
square subdivided into 9 smaller squares, where each square contains a different
number. Then we have to make sure that the sum of every row, column and diagonal
add up to the same number.
Step 2: Devising a Plan
Take note that for the square to be a magic square, we must know what
the common sum is. Thus, our subgoal is to find that common sum. (Therefore, the
strategy that we will use here is identifying subgoal strategy)

Step 3: Carrying Out the Plan

First, we find the common sum. Note that the sum of the 9 number is 45.
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9=45
Notice also that 45 is 3 times the sum of one row or column. Next, we find the common
sum by dividing the sum of the nine numbers 45, by 3. So we get 15 as the common
sum.
2 6
5
5
4 8

7 2 7 6
9 5 1 9 5 1
3 4 3 8

Step 4: Looking Back

 Mathematics in the Modern World

Now, we have to check if our answer is reasonable. To do this, we have

to examine if the sum of the number in each row, column and diagonal adds up to 15.
Hence we have,

ROW COLUMN DIAGONAL

2+7+6=15 2+9+4=15 2+5+8=15

9+5+1=15 7+5+3=15 6+5+4=15

4+3+8=15 6+1+8=15

Since all rows, columns and diagonals sum up to 15, then this means that our
answer is correct and reasonable.
Strategy 2: Making a Table Strategy
Making a table strategy is a problem-solving strategy that students can use to
mathematical word problem by writing the information in a more organize form.

Steps in making a table

a) Set up the table with the correct label
b) Enter known data into the table
c) Look for a pattern and extend the table
d) Find the answer in the table
EXAMPLE:
1. Joy takes up a jogging as her form of exercise. She jog daily in their barangay
auditorium. On the first week, she jogs 15 minutes per day, on the second wee
she jogs for 20 minutes per day. Each week, she wants to increase her jogging
time by 5 minutes per day if she jogs 6 days each week, what will be her total
jogging time on the sixth week?
SOLUTION:
Step 1: Understanding the problem
We know that in the first week, Joy jogs 15 minutes per day for 6 days
and on the second week she jogs 20 minutes per day for six days.
We also know that each week, she increases her jogging time be 5
minutes per day and she jogs 6 days per week.
So our aim here is to find Joy’s total jogging time in the sixth week.
Step 2: Devising a Plan
 Mathematics in the Modern World

An appropriate strategy to use here is a Table Strategy. What we will do

here is to list the given data in a table and use the given information to find new
information.
Step 3: Carrying Out the Plan
We know that in the first week, Joy jogs 15 minutes per day for 6 days
and on the second week she jogs 20 minutes per day for six days. We can enter
this information in a table,
WEEK MINUTES/DAY MINUTES/WEEK

1 15 90

2 20 120

3 25 150
4 30 180

5 35 210

6 40 240
Based on the data in the table, we can see that o the sixth week, Joy was able to jog for
40 minutes per day and so her total jogging time at the end of the sixth week is 240
minutes.
Step 4: Looking Back
Joy increases her jogging time by 5 minutes per day. She jogs six days
per week. This means that she increase her jogging time by 30 minutes per
week.
So Joy starts at 90 minutes per week and she increases by 30 minutes
per week for five weeks.
This shows then that the jogging time of Joy is 90+ (30x5)= 24o minutes,
Hence, our answer is correct.
Strategy 3: Making an Organized List
Making an organized list strategy is used to solve problem that has multiple
solution and that has done by writing down all the combinations or possibilities in
organized list. This help one see clearly the answer and be sure not to forget any parts.
The strategy also helps problem solvers organize their thinking about a problem.
Recording a work in a organize list makes it easy to review what has been done to and
to identify the important steps that must yet be completed. It also provides an easy way
of recording calculations.

EXAMPLE:
 Mathematics in the Modern World

1. Claire has 2 blouse, 2 skirts and 3 pairs of sandals. How many different outfit
does she have?
SOLUTION:
Step 1: Understanding the problem
The problem tell us that Claire has 2 blouses, 2 skirts and 2 pairs of
sandal. Now she has to combine each of the blouses, skirts and sandals to come
up with an outfit that she can have.
Step 2: Devising a Plan
For us to answer the problem easily, we will utilize the Making an
Organized List Strategy. We will make an organize list of all the possible
answer using a tree diagram. This will help us ensure that no answer will be
repeated.

Step 3: Carrying Out the Plan

In each of our combination, there must be one blouse, one skirt and one
pair of sandals. So we will now construct a tree diagram to make sure that there
will be no duplication.

Tree Diagram

Consider the diagram above, we can see that the possible combination are
(B1,Sk1, S1), (B1, Sk1, s2),(B1, Sk2, s1), (B1,Sk2, s2), (B2, Sk1, s1), (B2, Sk1, s2),
(B2, Sk2, s1), (B2, Sk2, s2)
Hence, there are 8 possible outfit that Claire could have
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Step 4: Looking Back

Our answer is correct because if we try to look in the list of possible
outfits, we can say that all clothes were paired and each outfit really consisted
of a blouse, a skirt and a pair of shoe.
Strategy 4: Eliminating Possibilities
Eliminating possibilities is a strategy in which students remove possible answer
until the correct answer remains. This strategy can be used to solve basic or simple math
problems or logic problems. This also can aid students in organizing information and
think about which among the given information can be utilized to remove those
information’s that do not satisfy the given conditions in the problem..
EXAMPLE
1. May asked Mia how old she was. May said to her that she would give her three
clues and see if she could guess her age. May wrote down their clues and let
Mia make a guess.
a) My age is between 18-35.
b) My age is a multiple of 3.
c) My age is an odd number
d) The digits of my age is repeated
How old is May?
SOLUTION
Step 1: Understanding the problem
The problem is telling us that Mia has to guess May’s age and to be able
to guess her age, she needs to use the different conditions given.
Step 2: Devising a Plan
The strategy eliminating possibilities will be used because it is the most
suitable strategy and it can together with the making a table or making an organized list
strategy.
Step 3: Carrying Out the Plan
We need to use the four different clues to solve the problem.
Clue 1: May’s age is between 18-35, so we can list all the numbers between 18
and 35.
19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34
Clue 2: This clue says that May’s age is a multiple of 3. Hence we need to
remove from the list all those that are not multiple of 3. So we have
21 24
27 30 33
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Looking at the table above, we can see that there are only five numbers left to
choose from.
Clue 3: May’s age is an odd number
Among the five numbers left in the list, the only odd number is 21,27
and 33.

Clue 4: The digits of my age are repeated.

The only number in the list with repeating digits is 33.
Step 4: Looking Back
Our answer is correct because 33 satisfy all the given conditions in the
problem.
 Clue 1: 33 is between 18-35
 Clue 2: 33 is a multiple of 3
 Clue 3: 33 is an odd integer
 Clue 4: the digits of 33 are repeating

Strategy 4: Writing an Equation and using a Variable

Writing an equation is a strategy that is done by translating word
problems to mathematical statements using any letter that would represent the unknown
in the problem.
EXAMPLE
1. Ely is six years older than Beth. Six years ago, she was twice as old as Beth.
How old are they at present?
SOLUTION:

Step 1: Understanding the problem

We know that Ely is six years older than Beth and that 6 years ago, she
was twice as old as Beth. So we need to determine their present ages.
Step 2: Devising a Plan
To solve the problem we make use of the strategies using a variable and
writing an equation.
So we must let x be the age of Beth. We can make use also of a table to
help us in formulating the working equation.
 Mathematics in the Modern World

PAST PRESENT
Ely (x+6)-6 X+6
Beth x-6 X
The working equation now is ( x+6 ) – 6 = 2 ∙ ( x – 6)
Step 3: Carrying Out the Plan
We will now solve the problem using the working equation
( x+6 ) – 6 = 2 ∙ ( x – 6)
 First, simplify the equation ( x+6 ) – 6 = 2 ∙ ( x – 6).
 X + ( 6-6 ) =( 2 ∙ 𝑥) - (2 ∙ 6)
 X + 0= 2x-12
 X= 2x-12
 12=2x-x
 X=12
Substitute x=12 in the expression x+6. Thus, we will get x=18
Thus, the age of Beth is 12 and the age of Ely is 18
Step 4: Looking Back
To check if our answer is correct, we substitute our answer in the
working equation.
So we have;
( x+6 ) – 6 = 2 ∙ ( x – 6).
(12+6)-6 = 2∙ (12-6)
18-6 = 2(6)
12 = 12
Since the two sides of the equation are equal, this means therefore that
our answer is correct.
 Mathematics in the Modern World

Problem Solving Strategies

QUIZ 7
Solve the following problems comprehensively. Show all your solutions.
1. Mr. and Mrs. Del Valle love to run around the town. From past experiences,
they know that Mr. Del Valle can run 6km in the time it takes Mrs. Del Valle
to run 4km. they have decided that they need to run the same distance. How
much of a head start does Mrs. Del Valle need for them to finish together?

2. A food committee prepared 3 kinds of sandwiches, 5 drinks, 4 fruits, and 3

candies. How many kinds of snack containing a sandwich, a drink, a fruit and a
candy are possible?

Chapter Assessment
I. Determine which of the following given statement is inductive or deductive
reasoning.
1. If a quadrilateral has four sides, then a rectangle is a quadrilateral.
2. I find people with glasses intellectual. Joaquin is wearing glasses.
Therefore, Joaquin is intellectual.
3. My math teacher of last semester was a woman. This semester. My math
teacher is a woman. Therefore, all math teachers are women.
4. A man inspects 12 taxis, all of which are white, and concludes that all
taxis are white.
5. For the first activities, Jayen is the first ne to complete the activity. He
concludes that he will be the first one to finish in all activities.
 Mathematics in the Modern World

II. Solve the following problems.

1. Eric is Jay’s father. Eric is 41 years old now. Two years ago, Eric was 3
times as old as his son. What age is Jay now?

2. When asked how much money he earned last vacation, Josh replied “ if
you increased one-half of my earnings by Php30, you will obtain three
fourths of my earnings.” How much did Josh earn?

3. In the town of Balaoan, three children namely Pepe, Juan, and Jose
deliver newspapers. Pepe delivers 3 times as many papers as Jose and
Juan delivers 13 more than Pepe. If the children delivered 496
newspapers, how many papers does each deliver?