ACTIVITY #3

Answer the following.

• Inductive Reasoning - is a method of drawing conclusions by going from the specific to the
general. It's usually contrasted with deductive reasoning, where you proceed from general
information to specific conclusions. Inductive reasoning is also called inductive logic or bottom-
up reasoning.
Examples:
Data: I see fireflies in my backyard every summer.
Hypothesis: This summer, I will probably see fireflies in my backyard.
Data: Every dog I meet is friendly.
Hypothesis: Most dogs are usually friendly.
Data: I tend to catch colds when people around me are sick.
Hypothesis: Colds are infectious.

• Deductive Reasoning - is a type of deduction used in science and in life. It is when you take two
true statements, or premises, to form a conclusion.
Major premise: All mammals have backbones.
Minor premise: Humans are mammals.
Conclusion: Humans have backbones.
Major premise: All birds lay eggs.
Minor premise: Pigeons are birds.
Conclusion: Pigeons lay eggs.
Major premise: All plants perform photosynthesis.
Minor premise: A cactus is a plant.
Conclusion: A cactus performs photosynthesis.
Source: [Link]

B. Write a short report about intuition, proof, and certainty in mathematics, their differences in meaning,
their importance in the subject, and their applications to real life situations.
This report is all about Intuition, proof, and certainty in mathematics, this is a guide to know their

meanings, importance in the subject and their applications to real life situations.

First, Intuition, logical Intuition, also known as mathematical intuition or rational intuition, is a

collection of instinctive foresight, knowledge, and savviness that is frequently connected with the
capacity to recognize logical or mathematical truth as well as the capacity to successfully solve

mathematical problems. In mathematics philosophy, intuitionism, or neo-intuitionism, this perspective

holds that the development of mathematics is only the product of human creativity and not the discovery

of fundamental concepts that are supposed to exist in an objective world. This means that, regardless of

their potential independent existence in an objective reality, logic and mathematics are considered the

application of internally consistent methods used to realize more complex mental constructs rather than

analytical activities where deep properties of objective reality are revealed and applied. As a result,

intuition also has a significant impact on how mathematical ideas develop. Periodically, the development

of mathematical knowledge reveals weaknesses in cultural perception; these crises, when resolved, lead to

a better developed intuition. Thus, mathematical intuition serves as the fundamental foundation for

modern mathematics. Intuition is like guessing it is also called reasoning by guessing or reasoning by

common sense because this requires less mental activity. And in this regard, Brouwer and his adherents'

intuitionistic philosophy is accurate. The do this or that approach of teaching has been replaced with a

what should be done next attitude in modern educational techniques to acknowledge the importance of

intuition. This allows for the right instillation in the pupil of fresh mathematical comprehension and

respect. Intuition can be applied in many situations even the slightest, smallest, and even obvious things.

The concept of intuition is like a mathematician utilizes his intuition to understand how the universe

functions, we can better appreciate the beauty of nature thanks to mathematical intuition. You can apply

intuition on many different situations like decision making. Intuition is the opposite of rigorous and it

means plausible, or convincing in the absence of proof. According also to Raymond Wilder (1984) he

points out that “without intuition, there is no creativity in mathematics [but] the intuitive component is

dependent for its growth on the knowledge component.” He also distinguished three roles for intuition, in

the evolution of concepts, in research and in teaching, separating the knowledge component of

mathematics learning.
 Second, Proof is a strong argument that a mathematical proposition is true can be made in

mathematics. A proof must include sufficient mathematical information to persuade the person or people

it is intended for. A proof is essentially an argument that conveys a mathematical fact to another

individual who has the appropriate mathematical background. A proof must be founded on previously

established findings and employ sound logic. Axioms, definitions, or previously established theorems

might serve as examples of prior findings. Bleiler-Baxter & Pair claim that a mathematical proof is used

to establish or support the veracity of a claim. But it also aids in better comprehending the outcome and

associated ideas. Because of this, a proof can also serve as an explanation. Proof is important in

mathematics because this is assumed as the central of mathematics and a sequence of true facts placed in

a logical order mathematical proof and there’s also algebraic and geometric proof.

Mathematical knowledge consists of those mathematical statements that are demonstrably true or

logically sound and may therefore be said to be known for sure. Mathematical justifications are solid,

trustworthy, and they encourage confidence in the accuracy of mathematical knowledge.

Their differences are proof includes evidence and facts while intuition is based on your guess and

does not use more mental activity than proof. These are important and is applicable in our daily lives

because intuition and proof are there to support us on our problem solving and critical thinking.

C. Write a reflection paper on Polya’s 4-step method in solving a problem.

George Polya, regarded as the originator of contemporary problem solving, conducted in-depth

research, produced many mathematical papers, and published three books on the subject. To guide you

through these issues, I'll demonstrate his approach to problem-solving.

This method is Polya’s 4-steps in Problem solving, this has 4- Step process which are the

following; (1) Understand the problem. Understanding a problem can sometimes be the issue. You may

likely get the incorrect results if you are uncertain of the problem that must be solved. Of course, you

must read thoroughly the problem to illustrate your understanding of it. Sounds easy enough, however
some individuals try to solve the problem before they have read it from beginning to end. After reading

the issue, you must list all the relevant parts and information. You will be assigning your variable here;

(2) Devise a plan. You come up with a solution to the problem when you devise a strategy. You can

approach the problem in several different ways, such by creating an equation, a diagram, or a chart; (3)

Carry out the plan. Execute the strategy is a significant undertaking. Here, you'll solve the equation you

developed during the "devise a plan" stage; (4) Look Back. To get the right formula and result you need

to look back on the steps you’ve taken to know if there’s lack or mistakes there if you’re not yet satisfied

with the answer.

This method can be used in many different situations involving numbers, percent’s, rectangles,

supplementary angles, complementary angles, consecutive integers, and breaking even. I learned that in

order to get the right answers in this method you need to pay attention to every details and must

understand the problem properly, it also needs the specification of the given information, values and what

to solve, also think of drawing a pattern always and may use other techniques in order to arrive at the

realistic and correct answer.