Problem Solving and

Reasoning
MMWN01A
Prayer before class
Lord of light and wisdom,
grant us bright intellect,
sound judgement and retentive memory.
Help us to study patiently, orderly and diligently,
to develop our gifts and make good use of them,
according to Your will,
as we commit ourselves to
Veritas et Fortitudo, Pro Deo et Patria.
Amen.
 Topic Outline
1. Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
2. Intuition, Proof, and Certainty
3. Polya’s Four Steps in Problem Solving
4. Problem Solving Strategies
5. Mathematical Problems Involving
Patterns
6. Recreational Problems Involving
Patterns

Question
• What is a mathematical problem?
• How do we solve a mathematical
problem?
A mathematical problem is a task or an
activity that connects math to real life.
It is amenable to being represented,
analyzed, and possibly solved with the
methods of mathematics.
Hilbert (1990) characterizes a
mathematical problem as “something
difficult it entices us, yet not completely
inaccessible, lest it mocks at our efforts.
 Problem Solving is a process by which
Problem we effectively apply our mathematical
Solving skills.

• Mathematics is consists of skills and

processes.

a. Method
b. Answer
c. Solution
 In order to solve mathematical problem,
Problem we should maintain a positive attitude.
Solving We should accept that in solving
mathematical problems, solutions are
not always apparent and that problem
solving takes time.

Hall and Mercer (2007) suggests that

we just work steadily for no one
understands every topic immediately.
Reasoning Two types:

1. Inductive reasoning

2. Deductive reasoning
Inductive
It is the process of arriving at a general
Reasoning
conclusion based on the observation of
specific examples. It is a method of
thought in which generalization is made
on the basis of some observed
occurrences.
Inductive
• Premise
Reasoning
• A previous statement or proposition
from which another is inferred.

• Conclusion

• The answer.
Inductive Example:
Reasoning • 1st premise:

John is an excellent swimmer.

• 2nd premise:

John’s family has a swimming pool.

Conclusion:

John’s sister must also be an excellent

swimmer.
Inductive Example:
Reasoning • 1st premise:

Elijah is good-looking.

• 2nd premise:

Elijah is well-behaved.

Conclusion:

Therefore, all good looking are well-

behaved.
Deductive
Deductive Reasoning is the process of
Reasoning
reasoning that arrives at a conclusion
based on previously accepted statements
Deductive Example:
Reasoning • 1st premise:

All numbers ending in 0 or 5 are

divisible by 5.

• 2nd premise:

The number 35 ends with a 5.

Conclusion:

Therefore, 35 is divisible by 5.
Deductive Example:
Reasoning • 1st premise:

All squares are rectangles.

• 2nd premise:

All rectangles have four sides.

Conclusion:

Therefore, all squares have four sides.

Deductive Example:
Reasoning • 1st premise:

All men are mortal.

• 2nd premise:

Algebra teachers are men.

Conclusion:

Therefore, Algebra teachers are mortal.

Intuition, Proof, and Certainty
Intuition refers to a quick, or immediate, or ready insight
without evident rational thought.
Proof is a process of establishing the validity of a
statement by derivation from other statements in
accordance with the principles of reasoning.
Certainty is the quality of being certain or known
especially on the basis of evidence.
Intuition, Proof, and Certainty
Example:
In a room with 10 people, everyone shakes hands
with everybody else exactly once. How many
handshakes are there?
Intuition, Proof, and Certainty
 In the first half of the 20th century, a
Polya’s Four Hungarian mathematician named
Steps in George Polya did an extensive
research on the nature of problem
Problem- solving.
Solving
His most important contribution in
the field of mathematics is his four-
step process which now serves as a
blueprint for solving problems.
Polya’s Four Polya’s four step plan in problem-
solving is a series of simple and
Steps in basic steps, namely:
Problem- 1. Understand the Problem
2. Devise a Plan
Solving
3. Carry Out the Plan
4. Check the Answer
Polya’s Four
Steps in Smith (1991) tells us that part of
looking back is using common
Problem- sense to make sure the answer is
Solving reasonable.
Polya’s Four
Steps in A correct answer must satisfy all
and not just some of the
Problem- conditions.
Solving
 Posamentier and Krulik (2015)
Problem- 1. Logical Reasoning
2. Pattern Recognition
Solving 3. Working Backwards
Strategies 4. Adopting a Different Point of View
5. Considering Extreme Cases
6. Solving a Simpler Analogous Problem
7. Organizing Data
8. Making a Drawing or Visual
Representation
9. Accounting for All Possibilities
10. Intelligent Guessing and Testing
Mathematical Problems
Involving Patterns
Prayer after class
Lord, thank you for giving us
the opportunity to learn
and the capacity to understand.
Let our knowledge be of service
not only for the attainment of our goals
but also for the benefit of others.