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Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic University

Province of Laguna

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

First Semester, Academic Year 2018-2019

GEC 104 – MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

WRITTEN REPORT IN

PROBLEM SOLVING AND

MATHEMATICAL REASONING

Submitted by:

ANAS, SID A.
DUGAN, IVAN JIMUEL
GABAYERON, RAYMOND M.
LUZANDE, RANNY DEE J.
MADRID, RICHMOND D.
MERCADO, VINCENT Y.
TOGADO, RON JONALD M.

BSEE-1B

Submitted to:

A/PROF. ENRICO R. RIVANO

October 24, 2018


RATIONALE

In our life, it is normal for us to experience problems from time to time. Some of those are big

and complicated, while others can be easily solved. There is no shortage for us in encountering

challenges in our life. Whether in our house, school, fast-food restaurants, and in whatever place you

are at, we will still be facing struggles in our life. Whether these problems are large or small, we have

to deal with it constructively and fairly. Having the necessary skills to identify solutions to problems is

one of the skills that we must consider.

In relation, we also have reasoning. Reasons are man’s tool of understanding. It is a method of

identifying entities through one’s senses. It is the means of integrating those perceptions into

concepts, gaining knowledge through this integration, integrating that knowledge into the rest of one’s

knowledge, and evaluating and manipulating ideas and facts.

In terms of mathematics, reasoning is used to justify a given conclusion to a problem whether it

is true or not. Justifying mathematical problems can help you improve your logical reasoning within

your daily life. This helps us make better decisions in some dilemmas, hard situations, even on easy

one, and many more.

Nowadays, where problems gets stocked up by one another, improving ones reasoning skills

can really be a weapon in the modern world even in facing our own challenges in life.

Seeing these problems, especially to us students, enhancing our decision making skills,

solving problems and the knowledge of reasoning will have a big impact and help towards our

studies.
Learning Objectives

At the end of the chapter, the students is expected to:

1. Apply inductive and deductive reasoning to solve problems;

2. Solve problems involving patterns and recreational problems following Polya’s strategy; and

3. Organize one’s methods and approaches for proving and solving problems.
Inductive reasoning

Inductive Reasoning is the process of making general conclusions based on specific

examples. Examples include the following statements.

 Every object that I release from my hand falls to the ground. Therefore, the next object I

release from my hand will fall to the ground.

 Every crow I have seen is black. Therefore all crows are black.

Based on available data, the earth has revolved around the sun following an elliptical path for millions

of years. Therefore, the earth will continue to revolve around the sun in the same manner next year.

Deductive reasoning

On the other hand, deductive reasoning is the process of making specific conclusions based

on general principles. Examples of deductive reasoning include the following:

 All men are mortal. I am a man. Therefore, I am a mortal. (General Principle: If p

implies q and p holds, then q must follow.)

Deductive reasoning is always valid. Nevertheless, to make correct deduction, a complete

understanding of the relevant abstract principles is required. Errors can occur either by applying

principles incorrectly or by starting with incorrect assumptions.

Deductive reasoning makes use of undefined terms, formally defined terms, axioms, theorems,

and rules of inference.


Inductive vs Deductive reasoning

A theorem is a statement that can be shown to be true. It is formulated by using a sequence of

statements that form an argument, called proof. The statements used in a proof may include axioms,

which are the underlying assumptions about mathematical structures, the hypothesis of the theorem

to be proved, and previously proved theorems. The rules of inference tie together the steps of a proof.
Methods of Proof
Problem solving with patterns

A sequence is an ordered list of number. The numbers, separated by commas, are called the

terms of the sequence.

Fibonacci sequence

The Fibonacci sequence is the ordered list of numbers 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8,… Fn, … where the three

dots indicate that the sequence continues beyond 8 and F n.

 F1 =1, F2 =1, and Fn = Fn-1 +Fn-2, for n ≥ 3.

Binet’s Formula

It is easy to find the nth Fibonacci number Fn if the two previous numbers, Fn-1 and Fn-2 are

known. Suppose we want to find F20. Using the definition, it is tedious and time consuming to

compute F19 and F18 to determine F20. Fortunately, Jacques Binet in 1543 was able to find a formula

for the nth Fibonacci number:


Pascal’s Triangle

Polya’s Problem Solving Strategy

1. Understand the problem.

2. Devise a plan.

3. Carry out the plan.

4. Review the solution.


Understand the Problem

 Can you restate the problem in your own words?

 Can you determine what is known about these types of problems?

 Is there missing information that, if known, would allow you to solve the problem?

 Is there extraneous information that is not needed to solve the problem?

 What is the goal?

Devise a Plan

 Make a list of the known information.

 Make a list of information needed.

 Draw a Diagram.

 Make an organized list that shows all the possibilities.

 Make a table chart.

 Guess at a solution and then check your result.

 Draw a picture.

 Use direct and indirect reasoning.

 Use properties of numbers.

 Use cases.

Carry out the Plan

 Work carefully.

 Keep an accurate and neat record of all your attempts.

 Realize that some of your initial plans will not work and that you may have to devise another
plan or modify your existing plan.

Review the Solution

 Ensure that the solution is consistent with the facts of the problem.

 Interpret the solution in the context of the problem.

 Ask yourself whether there are generalizations of the solution that could apply to other
problems.
Summary

 Inductive Reasoning- is the process of reaching a general conclusion by examining specific


examples. A conclusion based on inductive reasoning is called a conjecture. A may or may not
true.
 Deductive Reasoning- is the process of reaching a conclusion by appealing general
assumptions, procedures, or principles.
 A sequence is an ordered list of number. The numbers, separated by commas, are called the
terms of the sequence.
 The Fibonacci sequence is the ordered list of numbers 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8,… Fn, … where the three
dots indicate that the sequence continues beyond 8 and F n.
F1 =1, F2 =1, and Fn = Fn-1 +Fn-2, for n ≥ 3.
 Binet’sFormula

 Pascal’s Triangle
 Polya’s Problem Solving Strategy

1. Understand the problem.

2. Devise a plan.

3. Carry out the plan.

4. Review the solution.

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