Module 3.

Problem Solving

“The definition of a good mathematical problem is the mathematics it generates rather than the problem
itself.”- Andrew Wiles

Welcome to this adventure!

LEARNING COMPASS

At the end of the unit, the students will be able to:

1. use different types of reasoning to justify statements and arguments made about mathematics and
mathematical concepts;
2. organize one’s methods and procedures for proving and solving problems; and
3. solve problems involving patterns and recreational problems following Polya’s four steps.

Watch a short video on Polya’s 4-step in Problem Solving

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMlVcGEn7EE

Enumerate Polya’s 4-step in Problem Solving.

1. Understand the problem

2. Device a plan
3. Carryout the plan
4. Look back

Apply Polya’s 4-step process in solving the following problem.

1. The sum of three consecutive odd integers is 27. Find the three integers.
Step 1
Sum of 3 consecutive odd integers =27
Find the 3 integers
n = Must be odd integers which is missing

Step 2
27 = 3 same odd integers
Find the 3 same odd integers
x=?
To find x I use this equation
27= x+2,x+4

Step 3
27=x+x+2+x+4 3w 21
3x= 27-2-4
3x=21 3 3
X=7
 Solve the given by number 7 so replace x with 7
x+x+2+x+4
7+(7+2)+(7+4)=27
7+9+11=27

7,9,11 is the consecutive integers

Step 4
To check if correct add the following integers
7+9+11= 27

2. The length of a rectangular piece of property is 1 foot less than twice the width. The perimeter of the
property is 748 feet. Find the length and the width.
Step 1
1 foot less than twice the width = length of a rectangular piece
Length = 1 foot less than twice the width
Width =?
w
Step 2
L L

w
Perimeter = 748 feet
L = (w) 2-1
W =?
In order to solve length we need to find the width
Then solve the given of the length

Step 3 w
6w 750
Solve for Width L L
(w2-1)2+2w=748 6 6
4w-2+2w=748 w
6w=2+748
W= 125 feet
Solve the length
L = (w)2-1
L= (125)2-1
L=250-1
L=249
ANSWER
Length = 249 Width = 125 Perimeter = 748

Step 4
To check if our answer is correct we need to solve the perimeter of rectangle
The perimeter must be 748
P= 2(l) + 2(w)
P= 2(249) + 2(125)
P= 498 + 250 = 748
 Perimeter = 748

3. Julia framed an oil painting that her uncle gave her. The painting was 4 inches longer than it was
wide, and it took 176 inches of frame molding. What were the dimensions of the picture?

Step 1

4 inches longer than its wide

took 176 inches of frame molding
What were the dimensions of the picture
Width =?
Length=?

Step 2

To find length = W+4

first solve width to find length then for dimension

Step 3
4w 168
Solve width

176 = (w+4)2+2w 4 4

176= 2w+8+2w
4w=176-8
W=42

Solve length

L= w+4

L=42+4

L=46

Dimension of rectangle
Width = 42inch Length = 46inch Perimeter = 176

Step 4

solve for perimeter to know if the dimensions are correct

P= 2(l) + 2(w)
P= 2(46) + 2(42)
P= 92+84
P=176
4. If the perimeter of a tennis court is 228 feet and the length is 6 feet longer than twice the width, then
what are the length and the width?

Step 1
a tennis court is 228 feet
6 feet longer than twice the width
Length =?
Width =?
Area= 228

Step 2

L = (w)2+6
W =?
In order to solve length we need to find the width
Then solve the given of the length

Step 3

Solve the width

6w 216
A=L . W
228= (2w+6)2=+2w 6 6
228=4w+12+2w
6w=12-228
6w=216
W=36

Solve the length

L = (w)2+6
L =(36)2+6
L = 72 + 6
L = 78

Conclusion
Width= 36 length= 78 area= 228

Step 4
To check if our answer is correct we need to solve the perimeter of rectangle using width and length
The perimeter must be 228
Width= 36 length= 78

P= 2(l) + 2(w)
P= 2(78) + 2(36)
P= 156 + 72 = 748
Perimeter = 228
Discuss the following PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES

1. Draw a picture / Diagram / Model

It is the most effect way to solve problem because you can review it easily. This method also is common for all
student to use because it visualize the result and organise it clearly also the student can easily view the result
and can immediately see If there is a problem.

2. Guessing and Checking

Guessing is not very effective way of solving because it may cause an error or mistake you will trace all your
solution to find that mistake but guessing is not very effective but it can sharpen also you logical thinking and
rational thinking because if you’re guessing the problem you first visualize it if this is the answer.

3. Making an organized List/ Table

This method is very clean and it’s quite effective to solve problems it is like organizing it step by step so that
you can easily see review your work if there is a problem. Organizing you problem and solution will be easily to
review.

4. Using a Logical Reasoning

Using logical reasoning is a smart way to solve problem because you visualize first the problem and make a
logical solution then testing solution to check if it’s the correct answer. This method is very effective and also
time consuming but it is very worth it.

5. Working Backwards

Working is like reviewing your answer checking your solution if it is correct it is like you trace you work from
down to up if it is correct. This method is basically reviewing your solution.

6. Look for Patterns

This methods is like you are finding the right way to solve the problem, making patterns of methods of your
solution and step by step you can easily visualize it. It is a strategy in which students look for patterns in the
data in order to solve the problem

7. Act it out

This method is like you test first the problem before you solve it is like you rehearse first your solution before
you write the final piece of your solution.
 1. Think and compose an argument or a statement about mathematics or using mathematical concepts
for the following logical reasoning.
a. Deductive Reasoning
The West African lion is a type of lion, all lions are carnivore because they eat any kinds of meat therefore
West African lion was classified as carnivore
b. Inductive Reasoning

The West African lion is a type of lion, Africa has a species of lion there for Africa only has west African
lion

2. Explore the 2048 puzzle game. Observe and use Polya’s problem solving method to find the patterns.

Step 1

You can add same number tile until it reach 2048

you can’t add if it is not same number and you can only move up, down, and both sides
you can’t move a 1 specific tile

Step 2
arrange the number into largest to smallest from right to left and you should remember that you need to
arrange it on the bottom

Step 3

After you manage to arrange the number in the bottom swipe right until it is now the biggest the
number continue the process and always remember the arrange ment

Step 4

Always check if the biggest is always on the right and the smallest are in the left.

128,64,32,16,8,4,2

3. Cut out at least two (2) latest recreational problems found in any magazines or newspaper. Solve and paste
it below.
 1. Often in solving problems, we ignore the first and last step of Polya’s problem-solving method. Why is
this so?

It is because students are more focus on finding the problem rather than analysing the problem first. They are
more like to solve the problem right away by just seeing the problem and after solving it they don’t have much
time to review because they are confident on their answers.

2. How does the technique of considering simpler examples of a problem relate to the technique of
looking for patterns in solving a problem?

Because after you find the pattern it is now very easy to solve and you have now a step by step solution that
you can look back at it. Giving simple examples of problem can give you a visualization o the pattern.

3. What is the next term in the sequence 1, 2, 3, 8, 16, ________? Did you use inductive or deductive
reasoning? Explain.

24 I use inductive reasoning because my answer may be logically true but it is not actually true I simply guess
the answer. 1 2 3 is a consecutive number if you count there 8 , 16 _ must be 24 because it is the consecutive
number of multiplication o 8

4. The definition of vertical angles says, “If two angles are vertical, then they are congruent.” 1 and 2 are
vertical. What can you conclude? What type of reasoning did you use?

If two angles are vertical, then they are congruent.” 1 and 2 are vertical therefore 1 and 2 are
congruent so it’s deductive reasoning because it was all true that if the two angles or any are vertical
so they will be always congruent.

REFERENCES

Offline Source: Sirug, Winston S. Mathematics in the Modern World: A CHED General Education Curriculum
Compliant, Mindshapers Company, Incorporated; 2018

Online Sources:

(n.d.). Retrieved October 03, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMlVcGEn7EE