Lesson 3: Problem Solving and Reasoning .

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
using inductive reasoning is often called a conjecture, since it may or may not
be correct. 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.
 Deductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning is the process of reaching a conclusion by applying
general assumptions, procedures, or principles.
Example 3:

Example
Each four neighbors, Sean, Maria Sarah and Brian, has different occupation
(editor, banker, chef or dentist). From the following clues, determine the
occupation of each neighbor
• Maria gets home from work after the banker but before the dentist.
• Sarah, who is the last to get home from work, is not the editor.
M1-LESSON-3.docx
• The dentist and Sarah leave for work at the same time.
• The banker lives next door to Brian.
Solution:
From the clue 1. Maria is not the banker or the dentist. In the following
chart, write X1 (which stands for “ruled out by clue 1”) in the Banker and the
dentist columns of Maria`s row.

Editor Banker Chef Dentist

Sean
Maria X1 X1
Sarah
Brian
Brian

From clue 2, Sarah is not the editor. Write X2 (ruled out by clue 2) in the
Editor column of Sarah`s row. We know from clue 1 that the banker is not the
last to get home; therefore, Sarah is not the banker. Write X2 in the Banker
column of Sarah`s row.

Editor Banker Chef Dentist

Sean
Maria X1 X1
Sarah X2 X2
Brian

From clue 3, Sarah is not the dentist. Write X3 for this condition. There are
now Xs for three of the four occupation in Sarah`s row; therefore, Sarah must
be the chef. Place a √ in that box. Since Sarah is the chef, none of the other
three people can bet he chef. Write X3 for this conditions. There are now Xs for
three of the four occupations in Maria`s row; therefore, Maria must be the
editor. Insert a √ to indicate that Maria is the editor, and write X3 twice to
indicate that neither Sean nor Brian is the editor.

Editor Banker Chef Dentist

Sean X3 X3
Maria √ X3
Sarah √ X3
Brian X3 X3

From clue 4, Brian is not the Banker. Write X4 for this condition. See the
following table. Since there are three Xs in the Banker column, Sean must be
the Banker. Place a √ in that box. Thus Sean cannot be the dentist. Write X4 in
that box. Since there are 3 Xs in the Dentist column, Brian must be the dentist.
Place a √ in that box.

Editor Banker Chef Dentist

Sean X3 √ X3 X4
Maria √ X1 X3 X1
Sarah X2 X2 √ X3
Brian X3 X4 X3 √

Therefore, Sean is the banker, Maria is the editor, Sarah is the chef, and Brian is
the dentist.
Polya’s Problem Solving Strategies
Polya’s Problem Solving Techniques In 1945 George Polya published a
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.
Polya’s First Principle: Understand the Problem
This seems so obvious that it is often not even mentioned, yet students are
often stymied in their efforts to solve problems simply because they don’t
understand it fully, or even in part. Polya taught teachers to ask students
questions such as:
• Do you understand all the words used in stating the problem?
• What are you asked to find or show?
• Can you restate the problem in your own words?
• Can you think of a picture or diagram that might help you understand
the problem?
• Is there enough information to enable you to find a solution?
Polya’s Second Principle: Devise a Plan
Polya mentions that there are many reasonable ways to solve problems. The
skill at choosing an appropriate strategy is best learned by solving many
problems. You will find choosing a strategy increasingly easy. A partial list of
strategies is included:
*Guess and check *Use a model
*Look for a pattern *Make an orderly list
*Draw a picture *Eliminate the possibilities
*Solve a simpler problem *Use symmetry
*Consider special cases *Work backwards
*Use direct reasoning *Use a formula
*Solve an equation *Be ingenious
Polya’s Third Principle: Carry Out the Plan
This step is usually easier than devising the plan. In general, all you need is
care and patience, given that you have the necessary skills. Persist with the
plan that you have chosen. If it continues not to work, discard it and choose
another. Don’t be misled, this is how mathematics is done, even by
professionals.
Polya’s Fourth Principle: Review the Solution
Polya mentions that much can be gained by taking the time to reflect and
look back at what you have done, what worked, and what didn’t. Doing this will
look back at what you have done, what worked, and what didn’t. Doing this will
enable you to predict what strategy to use to solve future problems.
Example: The product of the ages, in years, of three teenagers is 4590. None of
the teens are the same age. What are the ages of the teenagers?

Problem Solving Strategies

• Look for a pattern
This strategy entails looking for patterns in the data in order to solve the
problem, that is, the solver looks for items or numbers that are repeated, or a
series of events that repeat. This can be used to solve many math problems and
can be used in combination with many other strategies, including make a table,
make a list, or simplify the problem.
Example: Find the sum of the first 100 even positive numbers.
Solution:
The sum of the first 1 even positive numbers is 2 or 1(1+1) = 1(2).
The sum of the first 2 even positive numbers is 2 + 4 = 6 or 2(2+1) = 2(3).
The sum of the first 3 even positive numbers is 2 + 4 + 6 = 12 or 3(3+1) =
3(4).
The sum of the first 4 even positive numbers is 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 = 20 or 4(4+1)
= 4(5).
Look for a pattern: The sum of the first 100 even positive numbers is 2 + 4
+ 6 + ... =? or
100(100+1) = 100(101) or 10,100.

• Make an organized list

Making a list is a systematic method of organizing information in rows
and/or columns. By putting given information in an organized list, you can
clearly analyze the information and then solve the problem by completing the
clearly analyze the information and then solve the problem by completing the
list. It should be emphasized that one should make a systematic list. By making
a systematic list, one will see every possible combination.
Example: Find the median of the following test scores: 73, 65, 82, 78, and
93.
Solution: Make a list from smallest to largest: 65 73 78 82 93. Since 78
is the middle number, the median is 78.
• Guess and check
Often referred to as “trial and error”, it is important to recognize than an
error really isn’t a mistake at all. It helps to guide the problem solver to the
next attempt at the answer. The following are the essential features of the
guess and check strategy:
❑ Make an “educated” guess at the solution.
❑ Check the guess against the conditions of the problem.
❑ Use the information obtained in checking to make a better guess.
❑ Continue this procedure until the correct answer is obtained.

Example: Which of the numbers 4, 5, or 6 is a solution to (n + 3)(n - 2) =

36?
Solution: Substitute each number for “n” in the equation. Six is the
solution since (6 + 3)(6 - 2) = 36.

• Look for a pattern

This strategy entails looking for patterns in the data in order to solve the
problem, that is, the solver looks for items or numbers that are repeated, or a
series of events that repeat. This can be used to solve many math problems and
can be used in combination with many other strategies, including make a table,
make a list, or simplify the problem.

Example: How many diagonals does a 13-gon have?

Solution: Make a table: Number of sides
Number of diagonals 3 0 4 2 5 5 6 9 7 14 8 20 Look for a pattern.
Hint: If n is the number of sides, then n(n-3)/2 is the number of diagonals.
Explain in words why this works. A 13-gon would have 13(13-3)/2 = 65
diagonals.

• Work backwards
This strategy is used to solve problems that include a number of linked
factors or events, where some of the information has been provided, usually at
the beginning of the problem. This entails starting with the end results and
reversing the steps you need to get those results, in order to figure out the
answer to the problem.
Example: Fortune Problem: a man died and left the following instructions
for his fortune, half to his wife; 1/7 of what was left went to his son; 2/3 of
for his fortune, half to his wife; 1/7 of what was left went to his son; 2/3 of
what was left went to his butler; the man’s pet pig got the remaining $2000.
How much money did the man leave behind altogether?
Solution: The pig received $2000. 1/3 of ? = $2000 ? = $6000 6/7 of ? =
$6000 ? = $7000 1/2 of ? = $7000 ? = $14,000
• Use logical reasoning
Example: At the Keep in Shape Club, 35 people swim, 24 play tennis, and
27 jog. Of these people, 12 swim and play tennis, 19 play tennis and jog, and 13
jog and swim. Nine people do all three activities. How many members are
there altogether?
Solution: Hint: Draw a Venn Diagram with 3 intersecting circles.

• Draw a diagram
Drawing a diagram is the most common problem solving strategy. Very often, a
problem solver needs to draw a diagram just to understand the meaning of the
problem. The diagram represents the problem in a way we can see it,
understand it, and think about it while looking for the next step. When you
draw a diagram, you organize information spatially, which then allows the
visual part of your brain to become more involved in the problem-solving
process.

Example: Fortune Problem: a man died and left the following instructions
for his fortune, half to his wife; 1/7 of what was left went to his son; 2/3 of
what was left went to his butler; the man’s pet pig got the remaining $2000.
How much money did the man leave behind altogether?

• Solve a simpler problem

Sometimes you can find the answer to a problem by solving another problem
that has simpler numbers or fewer case. To use this strategy, first use a simpler
or more familiar case of the problems. Then use the same concepts and
relationships to solve the original problem.
Example: In a delicatessen, it costs $2.49 for a half pound of sliced roast
 Example: In a delicatessen, it costs $2.49 for a half pound of sliced roast
beef. The person behind the counter slices 0.53 pound. What should it cost?
Solution: Try a simpler problem. How much would you pay if a half pound
of sliced roast beef costs $2 and the person slices 3 pounds? If a half pound
costs $2, then one pound would cost 2 x $2 or $4. Multiply by the number of
pounds needed to get the total: 3 x $4 = 12.
Now try the original problem: If a half pound costs $2.49, then one pound
would cost 2 x $2.49 or $4.98. Multiply by the number of pounds needed to get
the total: .53 x $4.98 = $2.6394 or $2.64.

• Read the problem carefully Know the meaning of all words and symbols
in the problem.
If a problem can’t be solved right away, divide it into part, and solve one
part at a time. A problem which at first seems difficult becomes easier if you
divide it into parts and solve one part at a time.
Example: List the ten smallest positive composite numbers.
Solution: Since positive means greater than 0 and a composite number is a
number with more than two whole number factors, the solution is 4, 6, 8, 9, 10,
12, 14, 15, 16, 18. For example, 4 has three factors, 1, 2, and 4.
Sort out information that is not needed.
Example: Last year the Williams family joined a reading club. Mrs.
Williams read 20 books. Their son Jed read 12 books. Their daughter Josie read
14 books and their daughter Julie read 7 books. How many books did the
children of Mr. and Mrs. Williams read altogether?
Solution: You do not need to know how many books Mrs. Williams has
read since the question is focusing on the children.
Determine if there is enough information to solve the problem.
Example: How many children do the Williams have?
Solution: There is not enough information to solve the problem. You do not
know if Josie, Julie, and Jed are the only children.

Name: (i.e) De la Cruz, Juan A. Module & Task No.: M1 –

Lesson 3
Course & Year: _________________ Date Completed:
_____________________
LESSON 3
EXERCISES 3
GENERAL DIRECTION: Answer the following problem A4 size bond paper. No
solution, no points. Make your work neat.
1. Determine what comes next in the given patterns.
a. A, C, E, G, I, ___
b. 15 10 14 10 13 10 ___
c. 3 6 12 24 48 96 ___
d. 27 30 33 36 39 ___
e. 41 39 37 35 33 ___
2. There are 364 first-grade students in Sogod Central School. If there are 26
more girls than boys, how many girls are there?

3. A room measures 12 ft. by 15 ft. how many 3 ft. by 3 ft. squares of carpet
are needed to cover the floor of this room?

4. Nine dots are arranged as shown. Is it possible to connect the nine dots
with exactly four lines if you are not allowed to retrace any part of the line
and you are not allowed to remove your pencil from the paper? If it can be
done, demonstrate with a drawing.
● ● ●

● ● ●
● ● ●

5. How many children are there in a family wherein each girls has as many
brothers as sisters, but each boys has twice as many as brothers?
6. How many digits does it take in total to number a book from page 1-240?
7. In how many different orders can a basketball team win exactly three out
of their last five games?
8. The four children in the Rivera family are Reynaldo, Ramiro, Shakira, and
Sasha. The ages of the two teenagers are 13 and 15. The ages of the younger
children are 5 and 7. From the following clues, determine the age of the
children.
a. Reynaldo is older than Ramiro
b. Sasha is younger than Shakira
c. Sasha Is 2 years older than Ramiro
d. Shakira is older than Reynaldo

9. Find the following sum without using calculator. 1+2+3+4+…

+497+498+499+500.
10. In a basketball league consisting of 12 teams, each team plays each other
teams exactly twice. How many league games will be played?