Module 4: Problems, reasons, and solutions in mathematics

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
In this lesson, you will be able to:
 recognize inductive reasoning;
 utilize inductive reasoning in solving problems;
 define deductive reasoning;
 utilize deductive reasoning in solving problems;
 translate verbal phrases to mathematical phrases and vice versa;
 solve verbal problems involving number relation problems;
 solve work problems that involve two persons;
 solve work problems that involve more than two persons;
 solve work problems that involve pipes filling up a tank;
 solve problems involving age problems; and
 solve problems involving motion problems.

4.1 Inductive reasoning

Mathematical reasoning stems from understanding problems. It is how the problems are
observed and analysed. From this analysis, problems can be solved with relative ease. There are multiple
ways to solve a problem. Information is very critical. The more information gathered, the more practical and
reasonable the solution will be.
Inductive reasoning is the process of making general conclusions founded on detailed examples.
The conclusion formed is called conjecture. Conjecture is an idea based on incomplete information. This may
be true or false. In this case, counterexamples are very useful to prove the validity of conjectures. These are
the statements that contradict the claims of conjectures.
The following are examples of inductive reasoning:
1. Consider the list of numbers below. Predict the next number.
a. 4, 8, 12, 16, ?
Solution: add 4 the preceding number. The next number in the list is 20.
b. 1, 6, 16, 31, 51, ?
Solution: The pattern is adding a multiple of 5 to the preceding number. The number in the list is 76.
2. Ms. Jenny is pretty. She is my math teacher. Therefore, all math teachers are pretty.
3. EDSA is a major thoroughfare which has a speed limit of 60 kilometers per hour. Therefore, all major
thoroughfares have a speed limit of 60 kilometers per hour.
4.2 Deductive reasoning

Mathematical reasoning can sometimes lead observers to make impractical decisions. If the event happened
already, what evidences can be made to justify the event? Information that have already been verified are
important to prove the validity of reasoning. This is the reason conjectures can be transformed into
generalized principles.
Deductive reasoning is a process of making specific and truthful conclusions based on general principles.
The following are examples of deductive reasoning:
1. All members of the club can use the club’s pool. Deanna is a member of the club. Therefore, Deanna can
use the club’s pool.
2. All numbers are divisible by 3 if the sum of the digits is divisible by 3. Consider 339. The sum of 3, 3 and
9 is 15. Therefore 339 is divisible by 3.

4.3 Algebraic Expressions: Translating English sentences to mathematical statements

Operational
There are many ways to express the addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division of algebraic
expressions. Some verbal expressions and their algebraic expressions with addition and subtraction are
shown on table 1.
Verbal phrases Algebraic Verbal phrases Algebraic
translation translation

the sum of m and m+8 the difference of 8 8–m

8 c+10 and m
10 added to c 7+a 10 subtracted from c c – 10
7 plus a t+5 7 minus a 7–a
5 more than t q+p 5 less than t t–5
q increased by p n + 11 t decreased by p t–p
11 greater than n r + 10 9 take away d 9–d
Exceeds r by 10 18 reduced by n 18 – n
1000 less f 1000 – f

Below are some verbal phrases and their algebraic expressions with multiplication and division.
 Verbal phrases Algebraic translation Verbal phrases Algebraic
translation
the product of 8 and 8m the quotient of 8 and m 8
m 10c 𝑚
10 times c 2x
twice x 1
p 10 divided by c 10
1 2
of p 7b 𝑐
2
7 multiplied by b 7
the ratio of 7 and a 𝑎
𝑝
p split into 4 equal parts 4
10
x divided into 10 𝑥
𝑞
10 divided into q 10

4.4 Number relation problem

The next lessons deal with solving problems where the equations are not given. There are cases
when the problems to be solved give a verbal mathematical description of practical situations and leave the
formulation of an equation as part of the solution. Such problems are called verbal problems, which can be
classified into number relation problems, uniform motion problems, age problem, and work problems.
Steps in problem solving
The following steps may serve as a guide when solving verbal problems:
1. Read the problem carefully and determine the conditions given and the quantities asked for.
2. Represent the unknown by a convenient variable, say x. When several related unknowns are involved,
express each of them in terms of a single variable.
3. Write an equation involving the known and unknowns.
4. Solve the equation and determine the value of the other unknowns using the root obtained, when
necessary.
5. Check the results by using the original statement of the problems.
Here are some examples solving number problems.
What are consecutive integer problems?
Consecutive integer problems are word problems that involve consecutive integers.

Consecutive integers are integers that follow in sequence, each number being 1 more than the
previous number, represented by n, n +1, n + 2, n + 3, ..., where n is any integer. For example: 20, 21,
and 22.

If we start with an even number and each number in the sequence is 2 more than the previous number
then we will get consecutive even integers. The formula for consecutive even numbers are 2n, 2n + 2, 2n
+ 4, 2n +6. For example: 14, 16, and 18.

If we start with an odd number and each number in the sequence is 2 more than the previous number
then we will get consecutive odd integers. The formula for consecutive odd number are 2n + 1, 2n + 3,
2n + 5, 2n + 7. For example: 17, 19, and 21.

How to solve consecutive integer problems?

Example 1: The sum of the least and greatest of 3 consecutive integers is 60. What are the values of the 3
integers?

Solution:
Step 1: Assign variables:
Let x = least integer x + 1 = middle integer , x + 2 = greatest integer
Translate sentence into an equation.
Sentence: The sum of the least and greatest is 60.
Rewrite sentence: x + (x + 2) = 60

Step 2: Solve the equation

Combine like terms 2x + 2 = 60
Isolate variable x
2x = 58
Step 3: Check your answer
29 + 29 + 2 = 60
The question wants all the 3 consecutive numbers: 29, 30 and 31
Answer: The 3 consecutive numbers are 29, 30 and 31.

Example 2: When 6 times a number is increased by 4, the result is 40. Find the number.

First, circle what you must find— the number. Letting x stand for the number gives the equation

6 x + 4 = 40 , Subtracting 4 from each side gives

6 x = 36 , Dividing by 6 gives x = 6

So the number is 6.

Example 3: One number exceeds another number by 5. If the sum of the two numbers is 39, find the smaller
number.
First, circle what you are looking for— the smaller number. Now, let the smaller number equal x. Therefore,
the larger number equals x + 5. Now, use the problem to set up an equation.

Therefore, the smaller number is 17.

Example 4: If one number is three times as large as another number and the smaller number is increased
by 19, the result is 6 less than twice the larger number. What is the larger number?
First, circle what you must find— the larger number. Let the smaller number equal x. Therefore, the larger
number will be 3 x. Now, using the problem, set up an equation.
Therefore, the larger number, 3 x, is 3(5), or 15.

Example 5: The sum of three consecutive integers is 306. What is the largest integer?
First, circle what you must find— the largest integer. Let the smallest integer equal x; let x + 1 equal the next
integer; let the largest integer equal x + 2. Now, use the problem to set up an equation.

Therefore, the largest integer, x + 2 = 101 + 2 = 103.

4.5 Work problem

Work problems have direct real-life applications. We often need to determine how many people are
needed to complete a task within a given time. Alternatively, given a limited number of workers, we often
need to determine how long it takes to finish a project. Here we deal with the basic math concepts of how to
handle these types of problems.
How to solve Work word problems?

The formula for “Work” Problems that involve two persons is

This formula can be extended for more than two persons. It can also be used in problems that involve pipes
filling up a tank.

Example 1: Peter can mow the lawn in 40 minutes and John can mow the lawn in 60 minutes. How long
will it take for them to mow the lawn together?
Solution:

Step 1: Assign variables:

Let x = time to mow lawn together

Step 2: Use the formula:

Step 3: Solve the equation

The LCD of 40 and 60 is 120
Multiply both sides with 120
Answer: The time taken for both of them to mow the lawn together is 24 minutes.
“Work” Problems: More than Two Persons
Example 2: Jane, Paul and Peter can finish painting the fence in 2 hours. If Jane does the job alone she
can finish it in 5 hours. If Paul does the job alone he can finish it in 6 hours. How long will it take for Peter to
finish the job alone?

Solution
Step 1: Assign variables:
Let x = time taken by Peter
Step 2: Use the formula:

Step 3: Solve the equation

Multiply both sides with 30x

Answer: The time taken for Peter to paint the fence alone is hours.

“Work” Problems: Pipes Filling up a Tank

Example 3: A tank can be filled by pipe A in 3 hours and by pipe B in 5 hours. When the tank is full, it can
be drained by pipe C in 4 hours. if the tank is initially empty and all three pipes are open, how many hours
will it take to fill up the tank?
Solution
Step 1: Assign variables:
Let x = time taken to fill up the tank
Step 2: Use the formula:
Since pipe C drains the water it is subtracted.

Step 3: Solve the equation

The LCD of 3, 4 and 5 is 60
Multiply both sides with 60
Answer: The time taken to fill the tank is hours.

4.6 Age Problem

Age problems are algebra word problems that deal with the ages of people currently, in the past or
in the future.
How to solve age word problems?
If the problem involves a single person, then it is similar to an Integer Problem. Read the problem
carefully to determine the relationship between the numbers.

How to solve age problems involving a single person?

Example 1: Five years ago, John’s age was half of the age he will be in 8 years. How old is he now?
Solution:
Step 1: Let x be John’s age now. Look at the question and put the relevant expressions above it.

Step 2: Write out the equation.

Isolate variable x

Answer: John is now 18 years old.

How to solve age problems involving more than one person?

Example 1: John is twice as old as his friend Peter. Peter is 5 years older than Alice. In 5 years, John will
be three times as old as Alice. How old is Peter now?
Solution:
Step 1: Set up a table.

age now age in 5 yrs

John

Peter

Alice

Step 2: Fill in the table with information given in the question.

John is twice as old as his friend Peter. Peter is 5 years older than Alice. In 5 years, John will be three times
as old as Alice. How old is Peter now?
Let x be Peter’s age now. Add 5 to get the ages in 5 yrs.

age now age in 5 yrs

John 2x 2x + 5

Peter X x+5

Alice x–5 x–5+5

Write the new relationship in an equation using the ages in 5 yrs.

In 5 years, John will be three times as old as Alice.
2x + 5 = 3(x – 5 + 5)
2x + 5 = 3x
Isolate variable x
x=5
Answer: Peter is now 5 years old.

Example 2: John’s father is 5 times older than John and John is twice as old as his sister Alice. In two
years’ time, the sum of their ages will be 58. How old is John now?
Solution:
Step 1: Set up a table.

age now age in 2 yrs

John’s father

John

Alice

Step 2: Fill in the table with information given in the question.

John’s father is 5 times older than John and John is twice as old as his sister Alice. In two years’ time, the
sum of their ages will be 58. How old is John now?
Let x be John’s age now. Add 2 to get the ages in 2 yrs.

age now age in 2 yrs

John’s father 5x 5x + 2

John X x+2

Alice

Write the new relationship in an equation using the ages in 2 yrs.

In two years’ time, the sum of their ages will be 58.

Answer: John is now 8 years old.

Example 3: Phil is Tom's father. Phil is 35 years old. Three years ago, Phil was four times as old as his son
was then. How old is Tom now?
First, circle what it is you must ultimately find— how old is Tom now? Therefore, let t be Tom's age now. Then
three years ago, Tom's age would be t – 3. Four times Tom's age three years ago would be 4( t – 3). Phil's
age three years ago would be 35 – 3 = 32. A simple chart may also be helpful.
Now 3 years ago
Phil 35 32
Tom t t-3

Now, use the problem to set up an equation.

Therefore, Tom is now 11.

Example 4: Lisa is 16 years younger than Kathy. If the sum of their ages is 30, how old is Lisa?
First, circle what you must find— how old is Lisa? Let Lisa equal x. Therefore, Kathy is x + 16. (Note that
since Lisa is 16 years younger than Kathy, you must add 16 years to Lisa to denote Kathy's age.) Now, use
the problem to set up an equation.

Therefore, Lisa is 7 years old.

4.7 Motion Problem

What are Motion or Distance Word Problems?

Motion problems are based on the formula d = rt
where d = distance, r = rate/speed and t = time.

𝑑 = 𝑟𝑡
𝑑
𝑠=
𝑡
𝑑
𝑡=
𝑠

How to solve Motion or Distance Word Problems?

Step 1: Draw a diagram to represent the relationship between the distances involved in the problem.
Step 2: Set up a chart based on the formula: rate × time = distance.
Step 3: Use the chart to set up one or more equations.
Step 4: Solve the equations.

We will look at four types of Motion Word Problems:

1. One person
2. Two objects going in opposite directions.
3. Both objects going in the same direction, but one goes further.
4. Both objects going in the opposite direction.

Examples (One person)

1. Barry runs at an average of 15 kph. If he needs to run a 37.5 km marathon. How long would it take him
to finish?
d= 37.5km , r= 15kph, t=?
𝑑 37.5
𝑡= = = 2.5 hours or 2 hours and 30 min.
𝑟 15

2. Barry drove a car at the rate of 50mph. If he needs to be there in 10 hours. What is the total distance
travelled by Barry?
d=? , r=50mph , t= 10 hours
𝑑 = 𝑟𝑡 = 50𝑚𝑝ℎ(10h)= 500
3. Barry needs to cover 125 km to get to town. If he needs to be there in 5 hours. What should his speed
average.
s=? , d= 125km , t= 5 hours
𝑑 125𝑘𝑚
𝑠= = = 25𝑘𝑚ℎ
𝑡 5ℎ

Examples (two person/ opposite direction)

1. Tom left Bulacan with a speed of 43 kph. Tim also left at the same time in the opposite direction at a
speed of 73kph. How many hours should Tim and Tom travel before they become 348 kilometers apart?
d= 348km, 𝑠1 = 43𝑘𝑝ℎ , 𝑠2 = 73𝑘𝑚ℎ t=? , 𝑑 = 𝑑1 + 𝑑2
𝑑 = (𝑠1 ∙ 𝑡1 ) + (𝑠2 ∙ 𝑡2 )
348 = (43𝑡) + (73𝑡)
348 = 116𝑡
3=𝑡
Therefore, it takes 3 hours for Tim and Tom to travel before they become 348km apart.

2. A truck and van left from Manila in opposite directions. The truck travelled for 3 hours at 80 kph. After
three hours the vehicles were 486km apart. Find the vans speed average?
d= 486km , 𝑠1 = 80𝑘𝑝ℎ , 𝑠2 =? 𝑡1 = 3ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 , 𝑡2 = 3ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 , 𝑑 = 𝑑1 + 𝑑2
𝑑 = (𝑠1 ∙ 𝑡1 ) + (𝑠2 ∙ 𝑡2 )
486 = (80 ∙ 3) + (3𝑠)
348 = 240 + 3𝑠
246 = 3𝑠
82 = 𝑠
(Same direction)
1. Tom left Manila with a speed of 36 kph. Tim also left at the same time in the same direction at a speed of
48kph. How many hours should Tim and Tom travel for them to be 36km apart?
d= 36km , 𝑠1 = 48𝑘𝑝ℎ , 𝑠2 = 36𝑘𝑝ℎ 𝑡1 =? , 𝑑 = 𝑑1 − 𝑑2
𝑑 = (𝑠1 ∙ 𝑡1 ) + (𝑠2 ∙ 𝑡2 )
36 = (48 ∙ 𝑡) − (36 ∙ 𝑡)
36 = 48𝑡 − 36𝑡
36 = 12𝑡
3=𝑡
2. A train left and 6 hours later, a car traveling 22kph tried catching up to the train. After 6 hours the car
caught up. What was the train’s average speed?
𝑠1 =? , 𝑠2 = 22𝑘𝑝ℎ , 𝑡1 = 12 , 𝑡1 = 6
𝑑1 = 𝑑2
𝑠1 ∙ 𝑡1 = 𝑠2 ∙ 𝑡2
12𝑠 = 22 ∙ 6
12𝑠 = 132
𝑠 = 11𝑘𝑝ℎ

3. John and Philip who live 14 miles apart start at noon to walk toward each other at rates of 3 mph and 4
mph respectively. After how many hours will they meet?
Solution:
Let x = time walked.

R T d

John 3 X 3x

Philip 4 X 4x

3x + 4x = 14
7x = 14
x=2
They will meet in 2 hours.
Another examples for solving motion problems.
Example 1: How long will it take a bus traveling 72 km/hr. to go 36 kms?
First circle what you're trying to find— how long it will take (time). Motion problems are solved by using the
equation

Therefore, simply plug in: 72 km/hr. is the rate (or speed) of the bus, and 36 km is the distance.

Therefore, it will take one‐half hour for the bus to travel 36 km at 72 km/hr.
Example 2: How fast in miles per hour must a car travel to go 600 miles in 15 hours?
First, circle what you must find— how fast (rate). Now, using the equation d = rt, simply plug in 600 for
distance and 15 for time.

So, the rate is 40 miles per hour.

Example 3: Mrs Benavidez leaves Burbank at 9 a.m. and drives west on the Ventura Freeway at an
average speed of 50 miles per hour. Ms Twill leaves Burbank at 9:30 a.m. and drives west on the Ventura
Freeway at an average speed of 60 miles per hour. At what time will Ms Twill overtake Mrs Benavidez, and
how many miles will they each have gone?
First, circle what you are trying to find— at what time and how many miles. Now, let t stand for the time Ms

Twill drives before overtaking Mrs Benavidez. Then Mrs Benavidez drives for hours before being
overtaken. Next, set up the following chart.
Rate r Time t Distance d
Ms. Twill 60 mph t 60t
Mrs. Benavidez 50 mph t + 1/2 50 ( t + ½)

Because each travels the same distance,

Ms Twill overtakes Mrs Benavidez after 2.5 hours of driving. The exact time can be figured out by using Ms
Twill's starting time: 9:30 + 2:30 = 12 noon. Since Ms Twill has travelled for 2.5 hours at 60 mph, she has
travelled 2.5 × 60, which is 150 miles. So, Mrs Benavidez is overtaken at 12 noon, and each has travelled
150 miles.
 Module 4
Activity 4: Problems, reasons, and solutions in mathematics

General instruction: In every activity always indicate your complete name, course and time. Copying or sharing
of answer is highly discouraged. You can use bond paper or yellow pad paper in answering the activity. Answers
can be handwritten or computer – encoded. If answers are handwritten, it should be legible, otherwise,
your score will be deducted. (100points)

Part 1: Translate each into an algebraic expression. Used any letter to represent the unknown unless
otherwise specified.
1. Six more than a certain number ____________
2. Thirteen decreased by a number. ____________
3. 14 more than the product of 9 and t. ____________
4. The sum of n and 7 multiplied by 11. ____________
5. Five times the product of d and e. ____________
6. Thrice the sum of x, y, and z. ____________
7. 50 decreased by the product of c and d. ____________
8. Six times the number x, increased by 10. ____________
9. Eleven more than the sum of two different members. ____________
10. The product of 8 and n, increased by the product of q and r. ____________

Part 2: Translate each into verbal phrases.

1. 9n + 1 = ___________________________________________________
3
2. 𝑛 + 5 = ___________________________________________________
3. 3 ( a + b + c) = ___________________________________________________
4. 10 – 4n = ___________________________________________________
5. 3 + 5m = ____________________________________________________

Part 3: Answer what is being asked. Show your solution.

1. Find three consecutive odd numbers whose sum is 69.
2. The numerator of a fraction is 8 less than the denominator. If 1 is added to the numerator and subtracted
from the denominator, the resulting fraction is 2/3. Find the fraction.
3. Alma can do a job in 6 days. Rachel can do the same job in 12 days. How long will it take the two girls to
do the job if they will work together?
4. Sarah and Mateo do a job together in three hours. Working alone, Sarah does the job in 5 hours. How
long will it take Mateo to do the job alone?
5. Sally is 3 times as old as John. 8 years from now, Sally will be twice as old as John. How old is John?
6. Kim is 6 years more than twice Timothy's age. 2 years ago, Kim was three times as old as Timothy. How
old was Kim 2 years ago?
7. Leah is 2 less than 3 times Rachel's age. 3 years from now, Leah will be 7 more than twice Rachel's age.
How old will Rachel be in 3 years from now?
8. Becca is twice as old as Susan and Greg is 9 years older than Susan. 3 years ago, Becca was 9 less
than 3 times Susan's age. How old is Greg now?
9. Lauren is 3 less than twice Andrew's age. 4 years from now, Sam will be 2 more than twice Andrew's
age. 5 years ago, Sam was three times Andrew's age. How old was Lauren 5 years ago?
10. Gabby is 1 year more than twice Larry's age. 3 years from now, Megan will be 27 less than twice
Gabby's age. 4 years ago, Megan was 1 year less than 3 times Larry's age. How old will Megan be 3 years
from now?
11. Two cars travel in opposite directions. One car drives at an average of 55 kph, while the other at 45
kph. After 4 hours, how far apart are the two cars?
12. A bus travels for 2 hrs at 60 kph and another 3 hrs at 70 kph. What is its average speed?
13. Nelia takes ¾ hour to dress and get ready for school. It takes 4/5 hour to reach the school. If her class
starts promptly at 8:00 am; what is the latest time she can jump out of bed in order not to be late for
school?
14. Ivana is meeting her friends at 9:30 am. The average speed of the bus is 30 km/h, and she needs to
travel 25 km. When is the latest time she should catch the bus?
15. Two planes fly each other. They are 420 kilometers apart. They pass each other after 3 hours. If their
speeds differ by 40 kilometers per hour, what are their speeds?

At the end of this module, I have learned that…

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HONESTY is the foundation of TRUST.