20/09/2018

EXERCISE: What are the next four numbers?

1. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, __, __, __, __, …

The Nature of Mathematics 2. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, __, __, __, __, …

Mathematical Problem Solving 01

(Inductive and Deductive Reasoning)

Inductive Reasoning EXAMPLE: What are the next two numbers?

• It is the process of reaching a general conclusion by examining 1, 4, 7, __, __, …
specific examples.

F(x) = x3 – 6x2 + 14x – 8

• It is a practical and useful way to investigate phenomenon.

• However, conclusions emerging from this reasoning may not always

be correct.

EXAMPLE On Pattern Finding

• Suppose a circle has n points on its circumference such that when all • Pattern is not proof.
possible chords are drawn, no three chords are concurrent* (inside • However, pattern enables us to make conjectures (i.e., guesses).
the circle). How many regions in the circle are created by the chords?
• It is often necessary to explain how the pattern is linked to the
underlying structure of the problem to come out with a convincing
justification or proof.
• Not everyone sees the same thing.

* If no three chords are concurrent, it means that no three chords meet at the same point.
 20/09/2018

EXERCISE EXERCISE
• If the diagrams below continue, how many dots would there be on • If the diagrams below continue, how many dots would there be on
the nth diagram? the nth diagram?

…
…

Explain your answer. Explain your answer.

Deductive Reasoning
• It is the process of reaching a conclusion by applying general NOTE: While deductive reasoning is often the preferred approach for
assumptions, procedures, or principles. proving mathematical problems, in reality, solving or investigating
problems involves a combination of inductive and deductive reasoning.

Inductive work provides insight on how to go about deductive work.

Deductive work provides confidence to pursue inductive work.
EXAMPLE

Prove that the sum of two even

numbers is even.

EXERCISE: Make a conjecture about the result
then prove deductively
• Step 1: Think of 2 single digit whole numbers.
• Step 2: Take any one of the number among them and double it.
• Step 3: Add 7 to the result.
• Step 4: Multiply the result with 5.
• Step 5: Subtract 14 from the answer.
• Step 6: Add the second number to the answer.
• Step 7: Subtract 21 from the answer.
EXERCISE: Make a conjecture about the result
then prove deductively
• Step 1: Think of any positive whole number.
• Step 2: Multiply by 3.
• Step 3: Multiply the result to itself.
• Step 4: Add the digits in this number until you get a single digit (e.g., 841
becomes 8 + 4 + 1 = 13, which becomes 1 + 3 = 4)
• Step 5: Place a 1 in front of the digit you found to make a new number. And
place a 2 in front of the digit you found to make another new number. Multiply
these two. (e.g., 4 becomes 14 x 24)
• Step 6: Multiply the result by 5.
• Step 7: Multiply each digit of this number together (e.g., 256 becomes 2 x 5 x 6)
 20/09/2018

EXERCISE EXERCISE
• If two numbers sum to one, then which will be bigger – the square of • Suppose a circle has n points on its circumference such that when all
the larger added to the smaller or the square of the smaller added to possible chords are drawn, no three chords are concurrent inside the
the larger? circle. How many regions in the circle are created by the chords?

Since the initial pattern observed was

found to not hold, study the underlying
structure. Jot down your observations
and see if you can form a new
conjecture.