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Intuition, Proof & Certainty

1. Intuition in mathematics refers to an approach where mathematics is considered the result of constructive human mental activity, without proof. Ramanujan's formulas provide an example, as they were correct but he did not prove them. 2. Proof in mathematics is a logical demonstration that establishes a statement as true. It involves transforming sequences of symbols according to logical rules to deduce a conclusion. 3. Certainty in mathematics comes from perfect knowledge without doubt, such as basic arithmetic facts or theorems that have been proven true, like the angle sum of a triangle.

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Jemima Madronero
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533 views29 pages

Intuition, Proof & Certainty

1. Intuition in mathematics refers to an approach where mathematics is considered the result of constructive human mental activity, without proof. Ramanujan's formulas provide an example, as they were correct but he did not prove them. 2. Proof in mathematics is a logical demonstration that establishes a statement as true. It involves transforming sequences of symbols according to logical rules to deduce a conclusion. 3. Certainty in mathematics comes from perfect knowledge without doubt, such as basic arithmetic facts or theorems that have been proven true, like the angle sum of a triangle.

Uploaded by

Jemima Madronero
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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INTUITION, PROOF

& CERTAINTY
INTUITION
Intuition is an approach where
mathematics is considered to be
purely the result of the
constructive activity of human
mind.
INTUITION
A famous example was the letter from Ramanujan to
Hardy, containing astonishing formulas for infinite sums,
products, fractions, and roots. The letter had gone to
Baker and to Hobson. They ignored it. Hardy didn’t
ignore it. Ramanujan’s formulas prove there is a
mathematical intuition, for they’re correct, even though
Ramanujan didn’t prove them, and in some cases had
hardly an idea what proof would be that tells the happy
few what others learn with great effort.
1. Intuitive is the opposite of rigorous.
2. Intuitive means visual.
3. Intuitive means plausible, or convincing in the absence of proof.
4. Intuitive means incomplete.
5. Intuitive means based on physical model or on some special
examples. This is close to “heuristic.”
6. Intuitive means holistic or integrative as supposed to detailed or
analytic.
INTUITION, PROOF
& CERTAINTY
PROOF
Proof is a mathematical
statement that is proven to be
true.
PROOF

“Test, try out, determine the


true state of affairs.
PROOF
Practical mathematical proof is what we do
to make each other believe our theorems.
It’s argument that convinces the qualifies,
skeptical expert.
PROOF
It’s transformation of certain symbol
sequences (formal sentences) according to
certain rules of logic (modus ponens, etc).
A sequence of steps, each a strict logical
deduction, or readily expanded to a strict
logical deduction.
INTUITION, PROOF
& CERTAINTY
CERTAINTY
Certainty is a perfect knowledge
that has total security from error,
or the mental state of being
without doubt.
Example:
▪ 2+2 = 4
▪ The angle sum of any triangle
equals two right angles
▪Finally, a more sophisticated
example: a convergent infinite
series
POLYA’S 4 STEPS IN
PROBLEM SOLVING & THE
PROBLEM SOLVING
STRATEGIES
POLYA’S FOUR STEPS IN PROBLEM
SOLVING
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?
- determine what is known about these types of
problems?
▪ IS THERE
- missing information?
- extraneous information?
- a goal?
DEVISE A PLAN
(PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES)
▪ Make a list of the known information.
▪ Make a list of information that is needed.
▪ Draw a diagram.
▪ Make an organized list that shows all the
possibilities.
▪ Make a table or a chart.
DEVISE A PLAN
▪ Work backwards.
▪ Try to solve a similar but simpler problem.
▪ Look for a pattern.
▪ Write an equation. If necessary, define what each variable
represents.
▪ Perform an experiment.
▪ Guess at a solution and then check your result.
▪ Use indirect reasoning.
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.
EXAMPLE 1(DRAW A DIAGRAM)

If points P,Q and R are the centers of


the circles, and the circles have radii of
3,4,5 respectively, what is the
perimeter of the triangle PQR?
1. UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM
▪The radii of the circles are 3,4 and 5.
▪The required is the perimeter of the
triangle drawn through connecting the
three centers of the circles.
2. DESIGN A PLAN
▪ Drawing a diagram.
3. CARRY OUT THE PLAN
4. REVIEW THE SOLUTION

▪ 3(2)+5(2)+ 4(2) = 24 UNITS


EXAMPLE 2

If you have 3 pants, 2 t-shirts, and 2


pairs of shoes. How many different
combinations can you make?
1. UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM
▪The given in the problem are 3 pants,
2 t-shirts, and 2 pairs of shoes
▪The required is the number of
combination
2. DESIGN A PLAN
▪ Listing.
3. CARRY OUT THE PLAN
▪ 3 pants (P1,P2,P3)
▪ 2 tshirts (T1,T2)
▪ 2 pair of shoes (S1,S2)
4. REVIEW THE SOLUTION

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