A Closer Look at Inductive vs.

Deductive Reasoning
Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning

• The difference:
inductive reasoning uses patterns to
arrive at a conclusion (conjecture)

deductive reasoning uses facts, rules,

definitions or properties to arrive at a
conclusion.
• Inductive reasoning - Think of it like a
We start with specifics and move to
generalities

• Deductive reasoning – think of it like a

We start with generalities and move to
specifics.
 Examples of Inductive Reasoning
Some examples

1) Every quiz has been easy. Therefore, the

test will be easy.
2) The teacher used PowerPoint in the last
few classes. Therefore, the teacher will
use PowerPoint tomorrow.
3) Every fall there have been hurricanes in
the tropics. Therefore, there will be
hurricanes in the tropics this coming fall.
 Deductive Reasoning
An Example:

The catalog states that all entering

freshmen must take a mathematics
placement test.
You are an entering
freshman.
Conclusion: You will have to take a
mathematics placement test.
 Inductive or Deductive Reasoning?

Geometry example…
What is the measure of angle x?
x

Triangle sum property -

60◦ the sum of the angles of
any triangle is always
180 degrees. Therefore,
angle x = 30°
 Inductive or Deductive Reasoning?

Geometry example…

What is the next shape in the sequence?

90% of humans are right handed. Joe is
human, therefore Joe is right handed.

DEDUCTIVE
You are a good student.
You get all A’s
Therefore your friends must get all A’s too

INDUCTIVE
All oranges are fruits. All fruits
grow on trees
Therefore, all oranges
grow on trees

DEDUCTIVE
Mikhail hails from Russia and Russians are
tall, therefore Mikhail is tall

INDUCTIVE