LIGAO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GUILID, LIGAO CITY

G4 MATHEMATICS IN OUR MODERN WORLD

BSED – SOCIAL STUDIES/VALUES EDUCATION
AY 2022-2023/FIRST SEMESTER

PROBLEM SOLVING &

REASONING:
INDUCTIVE & DEDUCTIVE
REASONING,
INTUITION, PROOF & CERTAINITY

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I. INTRODUCTION

Back in our earlier years, we thought problems are for adults only – that only grown up
ones had to solve problems. But as we mature, we realized that we had already encountered
simple and real problems before, and we had given solutions to them, for real, without knowing
that we did it.
Problems are for all ages. Different situations, different ways to solve it. And for us,
adults, we seem to get bombarded by a lot of problems that’s why we almost get to the point
that we think that some of those problems don’t really have solutions. But they do. We just don’t
solve them using the proper way.
Problem solving has benefits not only in the field of Mathematics but in our daily life in
general. In the mathematical context, it encourages us, as learners, to believe in our ability to
see that we can apply such methodologies to find solutions to problems that we encounter.
In this module, we have the following sub-topics:
1. Inductive & Deductive Reasoning
2. Intuition
3. Proof & Certainty

II. LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this module, we will be dealing with the Nature of Problem Solving &
Reasoning. Specifically, you are expected to:

 use different types of reasoning to justify statements and arguments.

III. DISCUSSION AND SELF – ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES

made about Mathematics & Mathematical concepts.

In your previous module, you were able to relate real – life experiences &
concepts to understand how logic plays a vital role in the mathematical language. Here,
you are going to use such concepts in put into context your reasoning to justify
statements and arguments in Mathematics.

Let us begin by understanding what really PROBLEM and its difference from
PROBLEM is SOLVING.

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PROBLEM SOLVING
 Refers to 𝑚𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑠 that have the potential to
provide intellectual challenges for enhancing your
mathematical understanding and development.
 It refers to 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑠 using
different methods.

Knowing how to solve problem s in NOTE

mathematics requires knowing what to look for.
Mathematical problems often require established
procedures and determining when to apply them.
 To solve a problem , one must be able to collect the
appropriate information, identify a strategy or
strategies, and use the strategy appropriately.

3 Basic Functions involved in Problem Solving

1 Seeking information
2 Generating new knowledge
3 Making decisions

Mathematical Reasoning

 It refers to the ability of a person to ana lyze problem

situations, and construct logical arguments to justify the
process or hypothesis, to create both conceptual foundations
and connections, for him to be able to process the
information.

A 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑚 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑟 can use either inductive reasoning or deductive reasoning.

INDUCTIVE REASONING
Specific
DEFINITION

 Process of reaching a general conclusion by

examining specific examples
 It starts with a 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑒 to derive a
𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑒 .

General

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In inductive reasoning, one draws inferences from observations to make

generalizations. In doing so, it recognizes that conclusions may not be certain.

STAGE STAGE
OBSERVATION
1 ANALYSIS
2
4 STAGES → collecting
facts with bias
→ classifying the facts;
identifying patterns of
regul arity
OF
MAKING STAGE STAGE
INFERENCE
3 CONFIRMATION
4
INFERENC
ES → from the patterns,
making generalizations
→ testing the inference
through further
about the relations observation
between the facts

Most logic and number patterns involve inductive reasoning. Here are some examples
where inductive reasoning is employed:
 The chair in the living room is green. The chair in the dining room is green. The chair in
the bedroom is green. All chairs in the house are green.
 Karen leaves for the office at 6:00AM. Karen is always on time. Karen assumes then that
she will always be on time if she leaves at 6:00AM.
 Every time I ear chocolate, irritations appear on my skin. So, I am allergic to chocolates.
 All the males in the class live in dormitories; therefore, all males in the college live in
dormitories.
 All kids in the nursery school like to play with clay. All children, therefore, enjoy playing
with clay.

Use of Inductive Reasoning to Predict a Number

𝐸𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑠:

1. What is the next number in 3, 6, 9, 12, 15?

→ We can begin by observing the pattern involved among these numbers. We
can easily tell that each successive number is 3 larger that the preceding
number. Thus, predict that the next number in the list is 3 larger than that 15,
which is 18.
2. What is the next number in 1, 3, 6, 10, 15?
→ Begin by observing the underlying pattern among these numbers. The first
two numbers differ by 2. The second and third numbers differ by 3. It appears
that the difference between any two numbers is always 1 more that the preceding
difference. Since 10 & 15 differ by 5, we predict that the next number in the list
will be 6 larger than 15, which is 21.

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Use of Inductive Reasoning to make Conjecture

Example:
NOTE
1. Consider the following procedure: Pick a
 A conjecture is a conclusion or a proposition which
number. Multiply the number by 8, add 6 is suspected to be true due to preliminary
to the product, divide the sum by 2, and supporting evidence, but for which no proof or
disproof has yet been found.
subtract 3.
Use inductive reasoning to make a 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 about the relationship between the
resulting number and the original number.
→ We can begin by using any number as our original number.
Original number: 5
Multiply by 8: 5 × 8 = 40
Add 6: 40 + 6 = 46
Divide by 2: 40 ÷ 2 = 23
Subtract 3: 23 − 3 = 20
→ Conjecture: The resulting number is 4 times the original number.
→ Check if this is true if you use other number.

DEDUCTIVE REASONING
DEFINITION General

 Is sometimes referred to as TOP – DOWN

LOGIC .
 It starts with a 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑒 and deduces
s 𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠 .
 Process of reaching a conclusion by applying a
general, assumptions, procedures, or principles Specific

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Examples:

1. If a number is divisible by 2, then it must be even.

12 is divisible by 2.
Therefore, 12 an even number.
2. If ∠𝐴 and ∠𝐵 are supplementary, then their sum is 180°.
So, if 𝑚∠𝐴 = 100, then 𝑚∠𝐵 = 80.

3. Quadratic equations can be solved using the quadratic formula 𝑥 2𝑎

−3𝑥2 − 5𝑥 + 2 = 0 is a quadratic equation.

Therefore, −3𝑥2 − 5𝑥 + 2 = 0 can be solved using 𝑥 2𝑎

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Key Concepts

STEPS IN
FIRST PREMISE SECOND PREMISE
DEDUCTIVE INFERENCE

REASONING
All men are mor
tal. Aldous is a man. Therefore, Aldous
is a mortal.

In Deductive Reasoning, there are two laws that can be used to draw a
conclusion: Laws of Syllogism & Detachment.

Law of Syllogism & Law of Detachment

Law of Syllogism Law of Detachment

 Also known as the Transitive  If a conditional is true and its

Property hypothesis is true, then its conclusion is
PROPERTY

 If 𝑝 → 𝑞 and 𝑞 → 𝑟 are true true.

statements, then 𝑝 → 𝑟 is a true  If 𝑝 → 𝑞 is true and 𝑝 is true, then 𝑞 is

true.
statement.

If a number is prime, then it does not have
repeated factors.
If a number does not have repeated
EXAMPLE
If 𝑀 is the midpoint of a segment, then it
divides the segment into two congruent
segments.

factors, then it is not a perfect square. 𝑀 is the midpoint of̅𝐴𝐵

̅̅̅ .

Therefore, if a number is prime, then it is ̅̅̅̅ .

Therefore, 𝑀 divides 𝐴𝐵
not a perfect square.

𝑨𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆

1. Use the Law of Syllogism to draw a conclusion from the two given statements:

If you exercise regularly, then you have a healthy body.

If you have a healthy body, then you have more energy.
Therefore, _________________________________________.

𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓: If you exercise regularly, then you have more energy.

2. Use the Law of Detachment to draw a conclusion from the two given statements.

If it is raining, the baseball game will be cancelled.

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It is raining.
Therefore, _______________________________________.

𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓: The baseball game will be cancelled.

Use of Deductive Reasoning to Establish a Conjecture

Examples:
1. Pick a number. Multiply the number by 8, add 6 to the product, divide the sum by 2, and
subtract 3.
Use deductive reasoning to establish a conjecture about the relationship between the
resulting number and the original number. → Let 𝑛 be the number.
Multiply by 8: 8𝑛
Add 6: 8𝑛 + 6

Divide by 2: = 4𝑛 + 3
Subtract 3: 4𝑛 + 3 − 3 = 4𝑛
→ Conjecture: The resulting number, 4𝑛, is 4 times the original number, 𝑛.

Inductive Reasoning vs. Deductive Reasoning

INTUITION, PROOF & CERTAINTY

Key Concepts INTUITION

 A natural ability or power that makes it possible

to know something without any proof or
evidence
 Something that is known or understood without
proof or evidence

Examples: (Here, you don’t need any proof or evidence)

1. How many times can you subtract 10 from 100?

Answer: Once. The next time you subtract 10 is from 90 already.

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2. When you buy something in a store that is worth Php 103 and then you
gave Php 200 to the cashier, why would the cashier sometimes still ask
you to add 3 pesos?
Answer: It is because it is easier for them to give you back a 100-bill than a Php
97 pesos. This mathematical concept is already an intuition by the cashier.

Key Concepts PROOF

 A logical argument in which each statement is

Remember
 A postulate is a supported/justified by given information,
statement that is
accepted without proof. defini tions, axioms, postulates, theorems, and
 A theorem is a previously proven statements.
statement accepted after
it is proved deductively.

Ways to Write a Proof

PARAGRAPH FORM TWO-COLUMN PROOF Statement Reason

 You write a paragraph to  Is one common proof to organize a

explain why a conjecture
for proof in geometry; always have two
a given situation is true. columns: one for statements, one
for reasons.

FLOW CHART
FORM
 Another way of writingfawhere
proo a series of statements are
organized in logical order using boxes and arrows.
 Each statement together with its justification is written in a box.
 Arrows are used to show how each statement leads to another.

Counterexample as a Proof

C ounter example

 Commonly used in an Indirect Proof

 An example that meets the statement ’s condition/s but does
not lead to the statement ’s conclusion.
 A method of reasoning by stating an example that makes a
given statement false .

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Example:
1. Prove that the statement: “The square of an integer is always an even number” is false
by providing a counterexample.
Learning Tip
Solution:
∴
→ is a mathematical
The square of an integer is always an even number.
symbol for “Therefore” 3 is an integer.
32 = 9 is not an even number.
∴ The square of an integer is NOT always an even number.

Key Concepts CERTAINTY

 The quality of being reliably true

 Is interpreted as an absence of errors that are
due to the methods of mathematics.

Hilbert on Certainty
 According to David Hilbert, “The mathematical truth is absolutely
certain, for they are proved on the basis of definitions through
infallible inferences. Therefore they must also be correct
everywhere in reality.”

Infallibility of Mathematical Methods

 By the certainty of mathematical knowledge one means the
impossibility of reaching erroneous results when using
mathematical methods.

Consistency
 Certainty in Mathematics is to be understood as freedom from
contradictions: Mathematics, to the extent that is certain, will never
produce a contradiction.

Eternal Truths
 Mathematical propositions are always true; they express eternal
truths.
 It is frequently stated that mathematical truths are timeless &
everlasting.

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IV. SUMMARY / KEYPOINTS

Mathematics provides us the opportunity to be open about problem solving.

Since Mathematics relies much on logic, the use of inductive reasoning allows you to
look for patterns. From these patterns, you can generalize about the facts and be able
to apply these relationships to other areas. Not only that. You should also be able to
solve problems deductively by making specific examples out of a general context.

Mathematical statements can be proven to be true or false. Some can even be

determined even without the use of proofs – only by intuition. Some require proofs, but
most mathematical statements, if not all, hold absolute certainty.

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V. ASSESSMENT

A. Decide whether inductive reasoning or deductive reasoning is used to reach the

conclusion. Explain your reasoning. (2 points each)
1. During the past 5 years, a tree has produced plums every other year. Last year
the tree did not produce plums, so this year the tree will produce plums.
2. All home improvements cost more than the estimate. The contractor estimated
that my home will cost P1.5M. Thus, my home improvement will cost more than
P1.5M.
B. Write the conclusion of the following using the Law of Detachment.
1. If you pass the final exam, then you pass the subject.
You passed the final exam.
So, _______________________.
2. If a quadrilateral is a square, then it has four right angles.
Quadrilateral QRST has four right angles.
Therefore, ____________________.
C. Write the conclusion of the following using the Law of Syllogism.
1. Peter is taller than Paul.
Joey is taller than Peter.
Therefore, _____________________.

VIII. REFERENCES
 (Recto "Rex" M. Calingasan, 2018)

 Kim – Erik Berts (b.1980). The Certainty of Mathematics: A Philosophical

Investigation. Abo Academy University Press, 2006.

 Fleron, Julian F., Hotchkiss, Philip K. Truth, Reasoning, Certainty & Proof.

Discovering the Arts of Mathematics. 2003

 Mathematics 8 Learners’ Module pg. 315 Retrieved From:

 www.artofmathematics.org/
 BigIdeasMath.com/Logical_Reasoning
 PHschool.com/aue-2032
 www.khanacademy.org/counterexample
 journals.openedition.org/intuition-and-reasoning

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