Mathematics

in the
Modern World
PROBLEM SOLVING

◦ Problem solving is the act of defining a problem; determining the

cause of the problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting
alternatives for a solution; and implementing a solution. 
PROBLEM SOLVING
◦ Most occupations require good problem-solving skills. For
instance, architects and engineers must solve many complicated
problems as they design and construct modern buildings that are
aesthetically pleasing, functional, and that meet safety
requirements.

◦ The goals of this chapter are to help you become a better problem
solver and to demonstrate that problem solving can be an
enjoyable experience.
Inductive
and
Deductive
Reasoning
 MAGIC SQUARES
A magic square of order n is an arrangement of
numbers in a square such that the sum of the n numbers
in each row, column, and diagonal is the same number.

A magic square of order 3

The magic square
has order 3, and 4 92 15
the sum of the 3 5 7 15
numbers in each
8 1 6 15
row, column, and
diagonal is 15.
15 15 15 15
 A magic square of order 4

16 32 13 34
5 10 11 8 34

9 6 12
7 34
4 15 14 1 34

34 34 34 34 34
 Inductive Reasoning

-type of reasoning that forms a conclusion based on the

examination of specific examples.

-The conclusion formed by using inductive reasoning is a

conjecture, since it may or may not be correct.

-Inductive reasoning is the process of reaching a general

conclusion by examining specific examples.
 EXAMPLE: USE INDUCTIVE REASONING TO PREDICT A NUMBER

Use inductive reasoning to predict the next number in each of the

following lists.

a. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15?

Each successive number is 3 larger than the preceding number.

Thus we predict that the next number in the list is 3 larger than
15, which is 18.
 EXAMPLE: USE INDUCTIVE REASONING TO PREDICT A NUMBER

Use inductive reasoning to predict the next number in each of the

following lists.

b. 1, 3, 6, 10, 15?

The first two numbers differ by 2. The second and the third
numbers differ by 3. It appears that the difference between any
two numbers is always 1 more than the preceding difference.
Since 10 and 15 differ by 5, we predict that the next number in
the list will be 6 larger than 15, which is 21.
 EXAMPLE: USE INDUCTIVE REASONING TO MAKE A CONJECTURE

Consider the following procedure: Pick a number. Multiply the

number by 8, add 6 to the product, divide the sum by 2, and
subtract 3.
Solution
Suppose we pick 5 as our original number. Then the procedure
would produce the following results:
In each of these cases the
Original number:5 resulting number is four
Multiply by 8 : 8 x 5 = 40 times the original number.

Add 6 : 40 + 6 = 46 We conjecture that following

Divide 2 : 46 ÷ 2 = 23 the given procedure
produces a number that is
Subtract 3 : 23 – 3 = 20 four times the original
number.
 COUNTER EXAMPLES
A statement is a true statement provided that it is true in all cases.
If you can find one case for which a statement is not true, called a
counter example, then the statement is a false statement.
EXAMPLE: Find a counter example
Verify that each of the following statements is a false statement by finding a
counter example.
For all number x:
Solution
A statement may have many counter examples, but we need only
find one counter example to verify that the statement is false.
a. > 0 For all number x:
 For all number x: Solution:

a. > 0 Let x = 0. Then > 0. Because 0 is

not greater than 0, we have found a
counter example. Thus “for all
numbers x, > 0” is a false
statement.

b. > x For x = 1 we have > 1. Since 1 is not greater than 1,

we have found a counter example. Thus “for all
numbers x, > x” is a false statement.
 For all number x:

Solution:

c. = Consider x = -3. Then = = 3. Since 3 is not

equal to -3, we have found a
counterexample. Thus “for all numbers x,
 TRY IT!

For all number x:

Find the counter example.

Let x = 0. Then , we have found a counter

example. Thus “for all numbers x, ” is a
false statement.
 Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning is distinguished from inductive reasoning

in that it is the process of reaching a conclusion by applying
general principles and procedures.

-Deductive reasoning is the process of reaching a conclusion

by applying general assumptions, procedures, or principles.
 Use Deductive Reasoning to Establish a Conjecture
Use Deductive reasoning to show that the following procedure
produces a number that is four times the original number.

Procedure: Pick a number. Multiply the number by 8, add 6

to the product, divide the sum by 2, and subtract 3.
Solution
Let n represent the original number.
Multiply the number by 8: 8n
Add 6 to the product: 8n+6
Divide the sum by 2: = 4n + 3
Subtract 3: 4n + 3 – 3 =4n

We started with n and ended with 4n. The procedure give in this
example produces a number that is four times the original
number.
 TRY IT!
Use Deductive Reasoning to show that the following procedure
produces a number that is three times the original number.
Procedure: Pick a number. Multiply the number by 6, add 10
to the product, divide the sum by 2, and subtract 5.
Solution
Let n represent the original number.
Multiply the number by 6: 6n
Add 10 to the product: 6n+10
Divide the sum by 2: = 3n + 5
Subtract 5: 3n + 5 – 5 =3n

We started with n and ended with 3n. The procedure give in this
example produces a number that is three times the original
number.
Keep safe
everyone


God Bless
us all 