Chapter 3

Problem-Solving

Mathematics in the Modern World

Objectives

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

1. apply inductive and deductive reasoning to solve
problems;
2. solve problems involving patterns and
recreational problems following Polya’s strategy;
3. organize one’s methods and approaches for
proving and solving problems.

Mathematics in the Modern World

GAME SHOW

Play the Monty Hall Game

Mathematics in the Modern World

PLAY THE GAME
There are 3 doors, behind which are 2
goats and a car.
You pick a door ( call it door A). You’re
hoping for the car of course!
Monty Hall, the game show host, examines
the other doors ( doors B&C) and always
opens one of them with a goat. (Both doors
might have goats, he’ll randomly pick one to
open)
Do you stick with door A ( original guess) or
switch to the other unopened door?

Mathematics in the Modern World

GAME SHOW
https://math.ucsd.edu/~crypto/Monty/monty.html

Mathematics in the Modern World

 What is a Problem?
A problem is a situation that confronts the learner,
that requires resolution, and for which the path to
the answer is not immediately known.
O
B
S
T
A
C
L
E
Mathematics in the Modern World
What is Problem - Solving

Problem Solving has been defined as

higher-order cognitive process that
requires the modulation and control
of more routine or fundamental skills"
(Goldstein & Levin, 1987).

Are classroom drills -problem-solving?

Mathematics in the Modern World

Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

What kind of thinking is used when

solving problems?

Inductive or deductive?

Mathematics in the Modern World

Inductive Reasoning
The type of reasoning that forms a
conclusion based on the examination
of specific examples is called
inductive reasoning.

Specific
Conclusions
Example
s
Inductive reasoning is the process of
reaching a general conclusion by examining
specific examples.
Mathematics in the Modern World
Conjecture

The conclusion formed by using inductive

reasoning is called a conjecture.

A conjecture is an idea that may or may

not be correct.
11 X (1 )(101) = 1111
11 X ( 2 )(101) = 2222
11 X ( 3 )(101) = 3333
11 X ( 4 )(101) = 4444
11 X ( 5 )(101) = 5555
11 X ( 6 )(101) = ?
Mathematics in the Modern World
Example

Use inductive reasoning to make a conjecture

Consider the following procedure:

Pick a number.
Multiply the number by 10.
Add 8 to the product.
Divide the sum by 2, and subtract 4.

Mathematics in the Modern World

Solution

We started with 3 and the procedure produces

15. Starting with 4 as our original number and
the procedure produces 20. Starting with 10 as
our original number and the procedure produces
50. Starting with 50 as our original number and
the procedure produces 250. In each of these
cases the procedure produces a number that is
five times the original number. We conjecture
that the given procedure produces a number
that is five times the original number.

Mathematics in the Modern World

Deductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning is the process of
reaching a general conclusion by applying
general assumptions, procedures, or
principles.

Consider the following procedure:

Pick a number. Multiply the number by 10,
add 8 to the product, divide the sum by 2, and
subtract 4.

Mathematics in the Modern World

Solution

Let n represent the original number.

Multiply n by 10 : 10n
Add 8 to the product : 8+10n
Divide the sum by 2:
8  10n
 4  5n
2
Subtract the quotient by 4:
4 + 5n – 4 = 5n
We started with n and ended with 5n after
following the given procedure. This means that the
given procedure produces a number that is five
times the original number.
Mathematics in the Modern World
Polya’s Steps in Problem-Solving

Understand the Problem

What is being asked?
What are the given information or data?
Can you state the problem in your own words?

Mathematics in the Modern World

Polya’s Steps in Problem-Solving

Devise a Plan
What strategies can be used to solve the
problem?

Mathematics in the Modern World

Problem Solving Strategies

Organize the information given (list, table, chart)

Draw a diagram
Work backwards
Look for a pattern
Try to solve a similar bur simpler problem
Write an equation, defining the variable used
Guess at a solution and then check the result

Mathematics in the Modern World

Polya’s Steps in Problem-Solving

Carry Out the Plan

Implement the strategy or strategies until the
problem is solved or until a new course of action
is suggested.

Give yourself time, get ideas from others.

Do not be afraid of starting over.

Mathematics in the Modern World

Polya’s Steps in Problem-Solving

Look Back
Check your work.
Interpret results. Is your answer reasonable?
Is there an easier or more effective way of
getting the answer?
Can you solve other related of more general
problem?

Mathematics in the Modern World

 Problem 1: Defusing a Bomb
Have you seen the movie Die Hard: With a
Vengeance, Bruce Willis and Jackson
Samuel ?

In one of the action scenes, Mc Clane and Carver

were caught in a breathtaking scenario where they
need to keep a bomb from exploding, and the only
way to prevent explosion is to put exactly 4 gallons
of water on a scale. How would they do it if they onl
have a 5-gallon and a 3-gallon jug?

Mathematics in the Modern World

VIDEO: DIE HARD PROBLEM

https://youtu.be/BVtQNK_ZUJg
Problem 1: Defusing a Bomb

Mathematics in the Modern World

Solution
Fill the 5 gallon jug with water
Pour water into the 3 gallon jug
Empty the 3 gallon jug
Pour the 2 gallon water into the 3 gallon jug
Fill the 5 gallon jug with water
Pour water into the 3 gallon jug with 2 gallons of
water in it
Which means exactly 1 gallon fills the 3
gallon jug
Thus remains exactly 4 gallons of water
inside the 5 gallon jug.

Mathematics in the Modern World

Problem 2: McDonalds Math Problem

Answer: 15

Mathematics in the Modern World

Problem 3: Cryptarithm
Replace each of the letters with a unique digit,
such that the addition works.

The following alphametic puzzle has 21 solutions.

G=4 H=6 I=5 N=3 O=7 R=2 T=8 W=1
G=4 H=6 I=1 N=3 O=7 R=5 T=8 W=2

Mathematics in the Modern World

 Problem 4: Tower of Hanoi
.

The puzzle requires that all the disks be moved

from the first peg to the third peg such that the
largest disk is on the bottom, the next largest disk
is placed on top of the largest disk and so on and
that only one disk be moved at a time. All pegs may
be used.

(source:http://goo.gl/images/twQwTe)

Mathematics in the Modern World

Problem 4: Tower of Hanoi Puzzle

Rules:
Only one disk can be moved at a time.
Each move consists of taking the upper disk from
one of the stacks and placing it on top of another
stack.
No disk may be placed on top of a smaller disk.

Website Application:
https://www.mathsisfun.com/games/
towerofhanoi.html

Mathematics in the Modern World

Problem 6: The Handshake Problem

In a party, Eric and seven of his friends

shake hands. How many handshakes are
exchanged?

Answer: 7+6+5+4+3+2+1=28

Can you think of other ways to solve

this problem?

Mathematics in the Modern World

Group Activity

Distribute the Activity Sheet:

Watch the movie after 20 minutes.

Can you solve _Einstein’s Riddle - Dan Van der

Vieren.mp4

Mathematics in the Modern World

EINSTEIN’S RIDDLE
EINSTEIN’S RIDDLE
Video

Mathematics in the Modern World

Problem 1: Check up Test
Problem 2: Logic Puzzle
Each of four neighbors, Kean, Maria, Farah,
and Ryan, has a different occupation (editor, banker,
chef, or dentist).
From the following clues, determine the
occupation of each neighbor.
1. Maria gets home from work after the banker
but before the dentist.
2. Farah, who is the last to get home from work,
is not the editor.
3. The dentist and Farah leave for work at the
same time.
4. The banker lives next door to Ryan.

Mathematics in the Modern World

 Solution
Editor Banker Chef Dentist  We know from clue 1 that the
banker is not the last to get home,
Kean
X X X and we know from clue 2 that
Farah is the last to get home;
Maria
X X X therefore, Farah is not the banker.
 From clue 3, Farah is not the
Farah
X X X dentist.
Ryan
X X X  As a result, Farah is the
Chef.
 From clue 1: Maria is not the  Maria is the Editor.
banker or the dentist.
 From clue 4, Ryan is not the
 From clue 2, Farah is not the banker.
editor.  Ryan is the Dentist.

 Kean is the Banker.

Mathematics in the Modern World

 Source: https://goo.gl/images/vRbUHH

Mathematics in the Modern World