PDF - 3.2 and 3.3 Problem Solving and Strategy

Unit 3
Problem
&
Solving
Reasoning
UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

Lesson 3.1 Lesson 3.2 and 3.3 Lesson 3.4

Solution using High School Algebra
Let x be the mass of the empty jar.
y be the mass of the liquid in full jar.
Thus,
Full Jar: 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 80
1
Half Full and Empty: 2𝑥 + 2
𝑦 = 100
Here, we need to solve for x in the given

system of equations using some methods.
Alternative Solution:
40 g
80 g 120 g
200 g 200 g
What is a problem? O
A problem is a B
situation that confronts S
the learner, that T
requires resolution, and A
for which the path to C
L
the answer is not
E
immediately known.

What is a problem solving?
It is a mathematical process of Problem Solving has
identifying, prioritizing, and been defined as higher-
selecting alternatives for a order cognitive process
solution, and implementing a that requires the
solution. modulation and control of
more routine or
It enables us to use the skills in fundamental skills"
a wide variety of situations (Goldstein & Levin, 1987).

Counting
There are 18 animals in a pet store.
Some are birds and some are dogs.
There are 50 legs in all. How many
birds and how many dogs are there?

Solution: purely
Given: 18 animals 50 legs dogs and
birds
D D D D D D D
Therefore, there are 7 dogs and 11 birds.

Distances

Solution
42 mi 7 mi 42 mi
Parsons Sampson Denbrow Greensville
21 mi 17 mi
49 mi 24 mi 35 mi
84 mi
Therefore, you are 24 miles from Denbrow.

Age Problem
Now, Cathy is as old as Kate 5 years ago
while Dave is as old as Cathy in 3 years. How
old is Dave if Kate is 25 years old now?

Solution:
Now, Cathy is as old as 5 years In 3
Now
Kate 5 years ago while ago years
Dave is as old as Cathy in Cathy 20 23
3 years.
Kate 20 25
How old is Dave if Kate is
25 years old now?
Dave 23
Therefore, Dave is 23 years old now.

Non-routine:
I take 3 tablets of vitamin C a day. If I
increase my dose to 4 tablets a day, a full
bottle would last 6 days less. How many
tablets are in a full bottle?

Solution:
6 × 3 = 18 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑠
3 tablets
6 days
Number of days spent to consume one bottle
a day
33 3 33 333 333 3 33 333 3
Distribute 18 extra tablets
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 11 1 1 1 11 with 1 tablet a day
4 tablets Number of days spent to consume one bottle 6 days

a day
18 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 × 4 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑠 = 72 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑠
Therefore, there are 72 tablets in one full bottle.
A scene from the movie Die Hard: With a Vengeance
with Bruce Willis and Jackson Samuel
In one of the action scenes, Mc Clane and

Carver were caught in a breathtaking scenario
where they need to keep a bomb from
exploding, and the only way to prevent
explosion is to put exactly 4 gallons of water on
a scale. How would they do it if they only have
a 5-gallon and a 3-gallon jug?

Solution:
5 3
Fill the 3-gallon jug, fully. 0 gal 3 gal
Pour water from 3-gallon jug to 5-gallon jug. 3 gal 0 gal
Empty the 5-gallon jug. Then, pour the water from the 3- 1 gal 0 gal
gallon to the 5-gallon jug.

Recall:
{𝒂𝒏 } generates the sequence
𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , … , 𝑎𝑛 , 𝑎𝑛+1 , …
where if 𝑛 = 1, then the term 𝑎1 is referred to as the

first term, or more generally, the nth term is
represented by 𝒂𝒏 .
The goal is to find the nth-term formula for the

sequence.
Given the first four figures, find the nth-term formula using the pattern
observed in the figures. Assume that the pattern continues.

Solution:
First, let us divide each figure into three parts:

1. the top which is colored blue
2. the middle which is colored white
3. the bottom which is colored red.
Observe the number of squares in each part in relation to n or the

position of the figure (or simply the subscript of a).
Solution:
Notice that top and the bottom parts of the figures have the same
number as that of n (or the subscript of a).
Example:
In 𝑎2 , there are 2 squares at the top and bottom parts of the figure.
In 𝑎3 , there are 3 squares at the top and bottom parts of the figure.

Solution:
From the previous slide, we say that the top part of the nth figure
contains n squares and the bottom part of the nth figure also contains n
squares.

Solution:
On the other hand, the middle part (white/vertical) contains one less
than the other parts or one less than n (or the subscript).
Where, in 𝑎1 it has 0 middle square

in 𝑎2 it has 1 middle square
in 𝑎3 it has 2 middle squares
and in 𝑎4 it has 3 middle squares
Thus, the middle part of the nth figure contains 𝑛 − 1 squares.

Solution:
In summary:
• the top part has n squares,
• the bottom parts has also n squares,
• the middle part has n – 1 squares
• Thus, the nth figure has a total of 𝑛 + 𝑛 + (𝑛 − 1) squares.

• Or equivalently, the nth-term formula for the problem is given by
𝑎𝑛 = 3𝑛 − 1
Given the first five figures, find the nth-term formula using the pattern
observed in the figures. Assume that the pattern continues.

Solution:
Let us divide the figures into two parts.
1. The top squares (vertical and colored blue), and

2. the bottom squares (colored white).

Let us summarize the number of squares in each part of each figure.
𝑛=1 𝑛=2 𝑛=3 𝑛=4 𝑛=5
𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 𝑎4 𝑎5
Top 0 1 2 3 4
Bottom 1 4 9 16 25
𝑛=1 𝑛=2 𝑛=3 𝑛=4 𝑛=5
𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 𝑎4 𝑎5
Top 0 1 2 3 4
Bottom 1 4 9 16 25
From the above table,

• the top part has 1 less than n number of squares, i.e. it has 𝑛 − 1
number of squares
• while the bottom part has 𝑛2 number of squares
• thus, the nth figure contains a total of 𝑛2 + 𝑛 − 1 number of
squares
From the previous slide we already know that the nth figure contains a
total of 𝑛2 + 𝑛 − 1 squares, or equivalently, the nth formula for the
sequence is given by
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛 2 + 𝑛 − 1
At the beginning of a month let say December you are
given a pair of new born male and a female rabbit. After a
month the rabbits have produce no offspring; however, every
month thereafter, the pair of rabbits produces another pair of
rabbits. The offspring reproduce in exactly the same manner. If
none of the rabbits dies, after 5 months, how many pairs of
rabbits would you have?

Solution:
Information:
• It took one month for the pair of newly born rabbit to
mature, and
• it took another month for them to produce offspring
(i.e. at the 2nd month onwards, each pair produces a
pair of offspring every month)
• the offspring comes in pair with one male and one
female rabbit

Solution:
0 1
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 5
5 8
Notice that the number of pairs of rabbits every

month follow the Fibonacci Sequence.
Polygonal Numbers
Below is the sequence of figures illustrating the first six
triangular numbers. If the pattern continues, find the nth-term
formula for the triangular numbers, denoted by 𝑇𝑛 .

Solution:
Notice that the triangular pile of dots in the next figure is

simply the pile at preceding figure but with additional dots at
the bottom of the pile.
Example: 𝑇3 is simply the pile of dots in 𝑇2 but with three

added dots at the bottom.
Solution:
The above figure implies the following information:
n 1 2 3 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 𝑇1 𝑇2 𝑇3 𝑇4 𝑇5 𝑇6
1 3 6 10 15 21
Solution:
n 1 2 3 4 5 6
1 3 6 10 15 21
Notice that the number of dots, 𝑇𝑛 , is simply the sum of the
first n positive integers.
For example, if 𝑛 = 5 with 𝑇5 = 15, it can be expressed as the
sum of the first five positive integers, i.e.
15 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5
Solution:
n 1 2 3 4 5 6
1 3 6 10 15 21
From the previous slide, we say that the nth figure or 𝑇𝑛 is
simply
1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯+ 𝑛 − 1 + 𝑛
Our task is to find the closed-form solution for this sum.

Different methods can be applied to find the formula.
Solution:
Now we know that 𝑇𝑛 = 1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯ + 𝑛 − 1 + 𝑛.
n pairs
Tn  1  2  3    (n  2)  (n  1)  n
Tn  n  (n  1)  (n  2)    3  2  1
2𝑇𝑛 = (𝑛 + 1)+(𝑛 + 1)+(𝑛 + 1) + ⋯ + 𝑛+1 + 𝑛 + 1 + (𝑛 + 1)

added n times
2𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛 𝑛 + 1
𝑛(𝑛 + 1) Triangular
⇒ 𝑇𝑛 = number 𝑻𝒏
2
Consider the predicament of a centipede who starts thinking about
which leg to move and winds up going nowhere. It is a familiar
problem: Any action we take has so many unforeseen
consequences, how can we possibly choose?
Here is a less grand example: I don’t like moving the knives, forks, and
spoons from dishwasher to drawer. There seems no sensible way to
proceed. I frequently catch myself staring at the configuration, hoping
for insight. Should I take the tallest things first, or just grab a handful
and sort them at the drawer? Perhaps I should stop thinking and do
what comes naturally. Before giving in to “thinking too little,”.
Persi Diaconis
Heuristics
These are approaches to problem solving or self-
discovery that employ a practical method that is not
guaranteed to be optimal, perfect, or rational, but is
nevertheless sufficient for reaching an immediate,
short-term goal or approximation. (Myers, D.G. (2010))

Heuristics
These are the strategies derived from previous
experiences with similar problems. These strategies
depend on using readily accessible, though loosely
applicable, information to control problem solving in
human beings, machines and abstract issues. (Pearl, J.
(1983))

On the development of Heuristics…
From the ancient mathematicians like Euclid and
Pappus to Descartes and Leibniz, they all have
contributed in heuristics by developing some universal
methods to problem solving and writing books on it.
One of the foremost recent mathematicians to make a

study on problem solving is George Polya. The
strategy he advocated consisted of four steps.
George Polya’s
Problem Solving
Model

Three siblings Sofia, Achaiah and Riana. Sofia gave
Achaiah and Riana as much money as each had.
Then Achaiah gave Sofia and Riana as much money
as each had. Then Riana gave Sofia and Achaiah as
much money as each had. Then each of the three had
P128. How much money did each have originally?

Solution using Polya’s Method:
Step 1: Understanding the Problem
Information:
• Three siblings: Sofia, Achaiah, and Riana
• Each gave the other two as much as they had in the
order: Sofia, then Achaiah, and lastly Riana.
• They all ended with ₱128 pesos.
What is asked?
• the money they had originally
Step 2: Make a Plan
• What we know are the money they had at the
end and what we are looking for are the original
money they had.
• Thus, one option here is to solve the problem
backwards.
• We will start with they have at the end and
work on values backwards.
• Be mindful that since we will work backwards,
we will also reverse the operation to be used.
Step 3: Sofia Archaiah Riana
Carry Out
the Plan
Final Money 128 128 128
(1) Riana gave them
as much as they had 64 64 256
(2) Achaiah gave them
(3) Sofia gave them as
Note: Riana is the much as they had 208 112 64
last to give, followed
by Achaiah and
Sofia is the first
Original Money 208 112 64
Step 4: Sofia Archaiah Riana
Look Back
Original Money 208 112 64
(1) Sofia gave them as
much as they had 32 224 128
(2) Achaiah gave them
(3) Riana gave them
Follow the order of
the process based
on the problem.
Final Money 128 128 128
Piet Hein

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Unit 3

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

Here, we need to solve for x in the given

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

Therefore, there are 7 dogs and 11 birds.

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

Parsons Sampson Denbrow Greensville

Therefore, you are 24 miles from Denbrow.

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

Therefore, Dave is 23 years old now.

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

4 tablets Number of days spent to consume one bottle 6 days

In one of the action scenes, Mc Clane and

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

where if 𝑛 = 1, then the term 𝑎1 is referred to as the

The goal is to find the nth-term formula for the

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

First, let us divide each figure into three parts:

Observe the number of squares in each part in relation to n or the

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

Where, in 𝑎1 it has 0 middle square

Thus, the middle part of the nth figure contains 𝑛 − 1 squares.

• Thus, the nth figure has a total of 𝑛 + 𝑛 + (𝑛 − 1) squares.

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

Let us divide the figures into two parts.

1. The top squares (vertical and colored blue), and

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

From the above table,

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

Notice that the number of pairs of rabbits every

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

Notice that the triangular pile of dots in the next figure is

Example: 𝑇3 is simply the pile of dots in 𝑇2 but with three

The above figure implies the following information:

Our task is to find the closed-form solution for this sum.

2𝑇𝑛 = (𝑛 + 1)+(𝑛 + 1)+(𝑛 + 1) + ⋯ + 𝑛+1 + 𝑛 + 1 + (𝑛 + 1)

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

One of the foremost recent mathematicians to make a

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

UNIT 3. Reasoning and Problem Solving/ MTH101

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