MMW
G1: INDUCTIVE REASONING Proof is an inferential argument for a
It is the type of reasoning that forms a mathematical statement while proofs are an
conclusion based on the examination of specific example of mathematical logical certainty.
examples
Is the process of reaching a general conclusion A mathematical proof is a list of statements in
by examining specific examples. which every statement is one of the following:
THE PROCESS REASONING OF INDUCTIVE (1) an axiom (self-evidently true)
Observe and look for a pattern (2) derived from previous statements by a rule
Analyze what is really happening in the pattern of inference
Make a conjecture (3) a previously derived theorem
EXAMPLE:
1. 2 4 12 48….? There is a hierarchy of terminology that gives
2. The numbers are multiplied by 2, then 3, then opinions about the importance of derived truths:
4, then 5. The next number will be the product (1) A proposition is a theorem of lesser
of 240 times 6 or 1,140. generality or of lesser importance.
3. Now, the answer is 1,140 (2) A lemma is a theorem whose importance is
mainly as a key step in something deemed
DEDUCTIVE REASONING to be of greater significance.
more general to the more specific. (3) A corollary is a consequence of a theorem,
It is the process of reaching a specific usually one whose proof is much easier
conclusion by applying general ideas or than that of the theorem itself.
assumptions, procedures or principles or it is a
process of reasoning logically from a given METHODS OF PROOF
statement to a conclusion. In methods of proof, basically we need or we
The concept of deductive reasoning is often have to prove an existing mathematical
expressed visually using a funnel that narrows a theorem to be able to determine if this
general idea into a specific conclusion. theorem is true or false.
TWO WAYS ON HOW TO PRESENT THE PROOF
a. Outline Form
Proposition: If P then Q.
1. Suppose/Assume P
2. Statement
3. Statement
-Statement
-Therefore Q .
EXAMPLE:
1st Premise: All positive counting numbers whose
unit digit is visible by two are even numbers.
2nd Premise: A positive counting number 1,236 has
a unit digit of 6 which is divisible by two
Conclusion: Therefore, 1,236 is an even number
G2: INTUITION, PROOF AND CERTAINTY
A. Intuition comes from noticing, thinking and
questioning.
B. Proof & Certainty
b. Paragraph Form
Proposition: If P then Q.
Assume/Suppose P. ____________.
_______
_________________________.____________ . . .
_____________. _______________.
_____________ Therefore Q.
3. PROOF BY COUNTER EXAMPLE (DISPROVING
UNIVERSAL STATEMENTS) - A conjecture may
be described as a statement that we hope is a
theorem. To disprove this statement, we must
prove its negation.
KINDS OF PROOF
1. DIRECT PROOF- A direct proof is a
mathematical argument that uses rules of
inference to derive the conclusion from the
premises.
o In a direct proof, let us say we need to prove a
given theorem in a form of P Q. The steps in
taking a direct proof would be:
1. Assume P is true.
4. PROOF BY CONTRADICTION - This method
2. Conclusion is true.
works by assuming your implication is not true,
then deriving a contradiction.
o So, if we let p o q be a theorem, a proof by
contradiction is given by this way;
1. Assume p is true.
2. Suppose that aq is also true.
3. Try to arrive at a contradiction.
4. Therefore q is true
2. INDIRECT PROOF (CONTRAPOSITIVE PROOF)-
Indirect proof or contrapositive proof is a type
of proof in which a statement to be proved is
assumed false and if the assumption leads to an
impossibility, then the statement assumed false
has been proved to be true.
o In an indirect proof, let us say we need to prove
a given theorem in a form of P Q. The steps
or outline in taking an indirect proof would be:
i. Assume/Suppose -Q is true.
ii. Therefore -P is true.
POLYA’S FOUR STEPS IN PROBLEM SOLVING.
GEORGE POLYA (Father of Problem Solving)
o is one of the foremost recent mathematicians
to make a study of problem-solving.
o He was born in Hungary and moved to the
United States in 1940.
o fundamental contributions to combinatorics,
number theory, numerical analysis and
probability theory. He is also noted for his work
in heuristics and mathematics education.
o Heuristic, a Greek word means that "find" or
"discover" refers to experience-based
techniques for problem solving, learning, and
discovery that gives a solution which is not MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING PATTERNS
guaranteed to be optimal. (i) showing an understanding of the problem,
(ii) organizing information systematically,
The George Polya’s Problem-Solving Method are (iii) describing and explaining the methods used
as follows: and the results obtained,
Step 1. Understand the Problem. (iv) formulating a generalization or rule, in
Step 2. Devise a Plan words or algebraically.
Step 3. Carry out the plan Understand---Strategy---Apply strategy/solve---
Step 4. Look back or Review the Solution Answer
Method 1: Making a Table
Method 2: Looking for a Pattern
RECREATIONAL PROBLEMS USING MATHEMATICS
Puzzle, number games and mathematical riddles
are some exciting games that we can solve or play.
n x n = size of a square .
1 x 1= 12 ------2 x 2= 22
