Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Lesson 1: INDUCTIVE AND DEDUCTIVE REASONING

Mathematical reasoning is the critical skill that enables a student to make use of all
other mathematical skills. They learn how to evaluate situations, select problem-solving
strategies, draw logical conclusions, develop and describe solutions, and recognize how those
solutions can be applied.

Math helps us have better problem-solving skills. Math helps us think analytically and
have better reasoning abilities. Analytical thinking refers to the ability to think critically about
the world around us. Reasoning is our ability to think logically about a situation. Analytical
and reasoning skills are important because they help us solve problems and look for solutions.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:
1. Use different types of reasoning to justify statements and arguments made about
mathematics and mathematical concepts.

Engage: Let’s Try This!

The Tower of Hanoi is a puzzle invented by Edouard Lucas in 1883. The puzzle consists
of three pegs and a number of disks of distinct diameters stacked on one of the pegs such
that the largest disk is on the bottom, the next largest is placed on the largest disk, and so on
as shown in the next figure.

The object of the puzzle is to transfer the tower to one of the other pegs. The rules
require that only one disk be moved at a time and that a larger disk may not be placed on a
smaller disk. All pegs may be used.

1. Determine the minimum number of moves required to transfer all of the disks to another
peg for each of the following situations.

Number of disks Minimum number of moves required to

transfer all of the disks to another peg
1
2
3
(You can use a stack of various size coins to
simulate the puzzle, or you can use one of the many
websites that provide a simulation of the puzzle.)
4
5
𝑛

1
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Explore: Discover This!

The process of thinking about something, in a rational manner, so as to draw valid

conclusions, is known as reasoning. It is a daily activity that we use to make decisions, which
involves the construction of thoughts and converting them into a proposition to give reasons
on why we have opted for a particular alternative over the other.

Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning is the process of reasoning that arrives at a general conclusion

based on the observation of specific example.

It is the process of reasoning that arrives at a general conclusion based on the

observation of specific example. In inductive inference, we go from the specific to the general.
We make many observations, discern a pattern, make a generalization, and infer an
explanation or a theory. In other words, you're making an educated or informed guess based
on the information or data that you have. It might sound right, but that doesn't mean it is
right.

Inductive reasoning is a method of logical thinking that involves using both

observation and experience to reach a conclusion. When you are able to look at a specific set
of data and form general conclusions based on existing knowledge from past experiences,
you are using inductive reasoning.

Examples of inductive reasoning

a) The coin I pulled from the bag is a penny. That coin is a penny. A third coin from the
bag is a penny. Therefore, all the coins in the bag are pennies.
b) You were in a hurry because you were getting late in your GECMAT class. Suddenly,
you met your classmate in the gate of the school. Then, you met your other classmate
at the corridor. And lastly, you saw your three classmates were going to the library.
What can you infer about your GECMAT class?
c) I’ve been to unhealthy relationships before and it didn’t work out. Therefore, any
unhealthy relationship will not work out.
d) 3 + 5 = 8, 11 + 15 = 26, 21 + 35 = 56, therefore, the sum of any two odd integers
is even.
e) I caught him secretly staring at me and smiling. He always liked my FB status whenever
I’ve posted my picture. He was so shy when we were talking to each other personally.
Therefore, that guy has a crush on me.

2
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

A. Using Inductive Reasoning to Find a Pattern

Example 1: Given the following string of numbers: 1, 2 ,4, 5, 7, 8, 10, ___, ___, ___

Continue the pattern and fill in the three blanks. Use inductive reasoning to find a correct
answer.

Solution: 11, 13, 14, since the string of numbers skipped the numbers that are divisible of 3
(e.g., 3, 6, 9, …)

Example 2: Make a reasonable conjecture for the next figure in the sequence

?
Solution: Since the figure rotates in clockwise direction with a solid dot in the center
for the first four figures, therefore, the next figure is .

Inductive reasoning is not used just to predict the next number in the list. We can also use
inductive reasoning to make a conjecture about an arithmetic procedure.

B. Using Inductive Reasoning to Make a Conjecture

Example 3: When two odd numbers are added, will the results always be an even number?
Use inductive reasoning to determine your answer.

Solution: 5 + 3 = 8, 11 + 7 = 18, 37 + 99 = 136

C. Using Inductive Reasoning to test a Conjecture

Example 4: Use inductive reasoning to decide if the following conjecture is likely to be true:
any four-digit number is divisible by 11 if the difference between the sum of the first and third
digits and the sum of the second and fourth digits is divisible by 11.

Test the following example:

a) 1,738 Solution: (1 + 3)– (7 + 8) = 4 − 15 = −11, hence 1,738 is divisible by 11

b) 9,273 Solution: (9 + 7) − (2 + 3) = 16 − 5 = 11, hence 9,273 is divisible by 11
c) 7,161 Solution: (7 + 6) − (1 + 1) = 13 − 2 = 11, hence 7,161 is divisible by 11

Finding a Counterexample

The counterexample is to disprove the conjecture.

Example 5: Find a counterexample that proves the conjecture that a number is divisible by 3
if the last two digits are divisible by 3 is false.

Test the following sample who’s last two digits are divisible by 3.

a) 1,527 Solution: 27 is divisible by 3 and 1,527 is also divisible by 3.

b) 11,745 Solution: 45 is divisible by 3 and 11,745 is also divisible by 3
c) 1,136 Solution: 36 is divisible by 3 but1,136 is not divisible by 3, hence, 1,136
is a counterexample to the conjecture.
3
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning is the process of reasoning that arrives at a conclusion based on

previously accepted general statements. It’s based on overall rules, NOT on specific examples.
Deductive reasoning draws specific conclusions from general principles or premises.

Examples of deductive reasoning

a) It's dangerous to drive on icy streets. The streets are icy now, so it would be dangerous
to drive.
b) Acute angles are less than 90 degrees. This angle is 40 degrees, so it must be acute.
c) All numbers ending in 0 or 5 are divisible by 5. The number 35 ends with a 5, so it must
be divisible by 5.
d) All dolphins are mammals, all mammals have kidneys; therefore, all dolphins have
kidneys.
e) All male students of BSED 1B1 are honest and faithful. John Raymund is a BSED 1B1
student. Therefore, John Raymund is honest and faithful.
f) All secret relationships are unhealthy. I have a secret relationship, so it must be
unhealthy.

A. Using Deductive Reasoning to Prove a Conjecture

Example 6: Consider the following problem: Think of any number. Multiply that number by
2, then add 6, and divide the result by 2. Next subtract the original number. What is the result?

a) Use inductive reasoning to make a conjecture for the answer.

Solution: Number 5 11 100

Multiply by 2 10 22 200
Add 6 16 28 206
Divide by 2 8 14 103
Subtract the original number 3 3 3

Conjecture: Following the rules, the result is always equal to 3.

b) Use deductive reasoning to prove your conjecture.
Solution: Let 𝑛 be any number

Number 𝑛
Multiply by 2 2𝑛
Add 6 2𝑛 + 6
Divide by 2 2𝑛 + 6
=𝑛+3
2
Subtract the original number (𝑛 + 3) − 𝑛 = 3

Now we know for sure that the result will always be 3, and our conjecture is proved.

4
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Example 7: Use inductive reasoning to arrive at a general conclusion, and then prove your
conclusion is true by using deductive reasoning.

Pick a number, add 50, multiply by 2 and subtract the original number. What is the
result?
Number 5 11 100
Solution:
Add 50 55 61 150
Multiply by 2 110 122 300
Subtract the original number 105 111 200

A reasonable conjecture is that the final answer is 100 more than the original number.

Comparing Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Inductive Reasoning: The first lipstick I pulled from my bag is red. The second lipstick I
pulled from my bag is red. Therefore, all the lipsticks in my bag are red.

Deductive Reasoning: The first lipstick I pulled from my bag is red. All lipsticks in my
bag are red. Therefore, the second lipstick I pull from my bag will be red too.

Inductive Reasoning: Every guy I’ve met before was sincere and gentleman. Erjun was
a guy I’ve met before, so Erjun is sincere and gentleman.

Deductive Reasoning: All guys are honest and sincere. Erjun is a guy. Therefore, Erjun
is honest and sincere.

BASIS FOR INDUCTIVE DEDUCTIVE

COMPARISON REASONING REASONING
Inductive Reasoning connotes Deductive reasoning is the
the arguments in which the fundamental form of valid
Meaning premises give reasons in reasoning, wherein the
support of the probable truth of premises give guarantee of the
the conjecture. truth of conjecture.
Approach Bottom – up approach Top – down approach
Starting point Conclusion Premise
Based on Patterns or trend Facts, truths and rules
Observation Pattern Theory Hypothesis
Process
Tentative Hypothesis Theory Observation Confirmation
Argument May or may not be strong. May or may not be valid.
Structure Goes from specific to general Goes from general to specific
Draws inferences with Probability Certainty

Example 8: The last six times we played with our basketball opponent team, we won, so I
know we’re going to win on Saturday. Did I use inductive or deductive reasoning?

Solution: Inductive reasoning

5
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Example 9: According to the grading system that any final average between 80% and 90% will
result in a B. If I get 78% on my final, my overall average will be 80.1%, so I’ll get a B. Did I use
inductive or deductive reasoning?

Solution: Deductive reasoning

Example 10: During the past 10 years, a tree has produced plums every other year. Last year
the tree did not produce plums, so this year the tree will produce plums.

Solution: This argument reaches a conclusion based on specific examples, so it is an example

of inductive reasoning.

Example 11: All home improvements cost more than the estimate. The contractor estimated
that my home improvement will cost $35,000. Thus my home improvement will cost more
than $35,000.

Solution: Because the conclusion is a specific case of a general assumption, this argument is
an example of deductive reasoning.

Explain: Clarify Your Lesson!

A Geometric Model: The ancient Greeks often discovered mathematical relationships by using
geometric drawings. Study the accompanying drawing and use inductive reasoning to
determine what needs to be put in place of the question mark to make the equation a true
statement.

How does the sum of the first 𝑛 odd integers related to the geometric model?

Is it possible to find the sum of the first 𝑛 even integers using geometric model? Why or why
not?

6
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Name: Year and Section:

Elaborate: Challenge Yourself!
Solve the following problems and show complete solution.

1. Select a two-digit number between 50 and 100. Add 83 to your number. From this
number form a new number by adding the digit in the hundreds place to the number
formed by the other two digits (the digits in the tens place and the ones place). Now
subtract this newly formed number from your original number. Your final result is 16.
Use a deductive approach to show that the final result is always 16 regardless of which
number you start with.

2. Consider the 8 × 8 checkerboard below. How many squares of all sizes appear on this
checkerboard?

3. The McDonalds Math Problem. Give at least two methods to solve this problem.

7
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Gauge Your Learning!

A. Use inductive reasoning to find a pattern and predict the number or figure in the list.
Then make a reasonable conjecture of the following:
1) 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 16, 22, 29?

2) 9, 12, 11, 14, 13, 16, 15, 18?

3) −2, 3, −4, 5, −6, 7?

4) 2, 5, 10, 17, 25?

5)

B. Find a counterexample to show that each statement is false.

6) The sum of any three odd numbers is even.
7) When an even number is added to the product of two odd numbers, the result will
be even.
8) When an odd number is squared and divided by 2, the result will be a whole
number.
C. Use inductive reasoning to make a conjecture about a rule that relates the number
you selected to the final answer. Prove your conjecture by using deductive reasoning.
9) Pick a number:
Double it:
Subtract 20 from the answer:
Divided by 2:
Subtract the original number:
Result:
10) Pick a number:
Multiply it by 9:
Add 21:
Divided by 3:
Subtract three times the original number:
Result:
D. Determine whether the following statements are inductive or deductive reasoning.
Write our answer after each statement.
_______________ 11) Every time you eat peanuts, you start to cough. You are allergic to
peanuts.
_______________ 12) 1 All brown dogs in the park today are small dogs. Therefore, all
small dogs must be brown.
_______________ 13) All brown dogs in the park today are small dogs. Therefore, all small
dogs must be brown.

8
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

_______________ 14) The chair in the living room is red. The chair in the dining room is
red. The chair in the bedroom is red. All the chairs in the house are
red.
_______________ 15) Every day so far, the sun has risen in the East and set in the West.
The sun will probably continue to rise in the East and set in the
West.
_______________ 16) A consumer products company accepts the premise that
professional women are overloaded with family and work
responsibilities and strapped for time. From this, they can be
successful marketing hair coloring product that can be applied in
less time than their competition's hair coloring product.
_______________ 17) The first two kids I met at my new school were nice to me. The
students at this school are really nice.
_______________ 18) A supermarket manager believes candy products are an impulse
buy. She decides that she can sell more by placing candy displays
close to store entry paths.
_______________ 19) The first three candies that I ate out of the bag were chocolates. All
of the candy in the bag is chocolate.
_______________ 20) A recruiter conducts a study of recent hires who have achieved
success and stayed on with the organization. She finds that they
graduated from three local colleges, so she decides to focus
recruiting efforts on those schools.
_______________ 21) A food products company identifies a trend that shows consumers
to favor organic products. Its marketing department deduces it can
boost sales by increasing the size of the lettering for the word
"organic" when redesigning their packaging.
_______________ 22) A salesperson presents testimonials of current customers to
suggest to prospective clients that her products are high quality
and worth the purchase.
_______________ 23) A bartender becomes aware that customers give her higher tips
when she shares personal information, so she intentionally starts
to divulge personal information when it feels appropriate to do so.
_______________ 24) Cacti are plants and all plants perform photosynthesis; therefore,
cacti perform photosynthesis.
_______________ 25) We had rained each day for the last five days, so it will rain today.

9
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Lesson 2: GEORGE POLYA’S FOUR STEPS IN PROBLEM SOLVING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING

STRATEGIES

In the previous lesson, we outlined the process of finding a solution to a specified

problem. One can start with “experimentation”, where we identify patterns. Next is to
formulate a conjecture about the observed patterns. Depending on the nature and demand
of the problem, the conjecture can already provide answer to the problem at hand. This
conjecture can be disproved by a counterexample or can be affirmed through a deductive
process.

This lesson is devoted to teaching students how to strategize a solution given a

particular problem either at the inductive or at the deductive level. It may appear a repetitive
process but with sufficient practice, it is hoped that students focus more on the principle
rather than the procedure.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:
1. Write clear and logical proofs
2. Solve problems involving routine and non-routine problems using Polya’s four
steps.
3. Organize one’s strategies, methods and approaches for proving and solving
problems

Engage: Let’s Try This!

A
1. How many different direct routes are there from point A to
point B in the following figure? Give your reason in accomplishing
this problem.

Explore: Discover This!

Four Steps Problems-Solving Procedure of George Polya. B

Step 1. Understand the problem.

• Read the problem carefully. Once the problem is read, list all the components and
data that are involved. This is where you will be assigning your variables.

• Restate the problem in your own words.

• Determine what is known about these types of problems. (Given)

• Identify what is being asked in the problem. (Find)

Step 2. Devise a plan to solve the problem.

• Come up with a way to solve the problem. Set up an equation, draw a diagram, make
a chart or construct a table as a start to solving your problem

• Think of strategies and use a variety of techniques to solve the problem.

10
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Step 3. Carry out your plan to solve the problem.

• This is where you solve the equation you came up with in Step 2. Apply or implement
the technique you have chosen in Step 2.

• Realize that some of your initial plans will not work and that you may have to device
another plans or modify your existing plan.

Step 4. Check your answer.

• Check to see if you used all your information and that the answer makes sense

• Ensure that the solution is consistent with the facts of the problem.

• Interpret the solution in the context of the problem.

Example 1. A gardener is asked to plant eight egg plants that are 18 inches tall in a straight
line with 2 feet between each plant.

a) How much space is needed between the first plant and the last one?

b) Can you devise a formula to find the length needed for ANY number of plants?

Solution:

Step 1: Understand the problem

The key information given is that there will be eight plants in a line, with 2 feet between each.
Step 2: Devise a plan to solve the problem
Drawing a diagram would be a big help to start to solve the problem.
Step 3: Carry out the plan to solve the problem

2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Step 4: Check the answer
There are eight plants, but only seven spaces of 2 feet between them. Therefore 2 x 7 = 14
feet is right.
Question to ponder: What formula suited to the solution of the problem?

2(𝑛 – 1) feet is the space between the first and 𝑛𝑡ℎ plant

Example 2: Farmer Jandel has only ducks and cows. He can’t remember how many of each he
has, but he doesn’t need to remember because he knows he has 22 animals and that 22 is
also his age. He also knows that the animals have a total of 56 legs, because 56 is also his
father’s age. Assuming that each animal has all legs intact and no more, how many of each
animal does Farmer Jandel have?

11
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Solution:
Step 1: Understand the problem
22 animals (ducks and cows), 56 legs
Find: How many each animal?
Step 2: Devise a plan to solve the problem
Listing or tabular method
Step 3: Carry out the plan to solve the problem
Given: 22 animals and 56 legs
Therefore, there are 16 ducks and 6 cows.
Step 4: Check the answer
Since, there are 16 ducks and 6 cows.

No. of animals No. of ducks No. of cows No. of legs

22 21 1 (𝟐𝟏 × 𝟐) + (𝟏 × 𝟒) = 𝟒𝟐 + 𝟒 = 𝟒𝟔
22 20 2 (𝟐𝟎 × 𝟐) + (𝟐 × 𝟒) = 𝟒𝟎 + 𝟖 = 𝟒𝟖
22 18 4 (𝟏𝟖 × 𝟐) + (𝟒 × 𝟒) = 𝟑𝟔 + 𝟏𝟔 = 𝟓𝟐
22 16 6 (𝟏𝟔 × 𝟐) + (𝟔 × 𝟒) = 𝟑𝟐 + 𝟐𝟒 = 𝟓𝟔

16 + 6 = 22 animals

(16 × 2) + (6 × 4) = 32 + 24 = 56 legs

Problem Solving Strategies

I. Solving a problem using a Diagram.

II. Solving a problem using Matrix Logic.
III. Solving a problem using Working Backwards.
IV. Solving a problem using Guess and Check.

I. Solving a Problem using a Diagram

A diagram has many advantages over verbal communication, it can be of big help to
understand and correctly interpret the information contained in a problem.

Example 3: A new basketball league was formed in which each of the teams will play three
games against each of the other teams. There are seven teams: the Askals, the Balsa, the
Calyas, the Damayan, the Ekes, the Falcons, and Galamays. How many games will be played
in all?

Solution:

There are 7 teams in the league, and each team plays exactly three games against each
of the other teams. Let us represent each team using letters. A for Askals, B for Balsa, C for
Calyas, D for Damayan, E for Ekes, F for Falcons, and G for Galamays. The problem is to
determine the total number of league games that will be played. The diagram below

12
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

illustrates that the games can be represented by line segments that connects the points A, B,
C, D, E, F, and G.

Since each of the seven teams will play a game against each of the other three, we might
conclude that this would result in 7 × 6 = 42 games. However, the diagram shows only 21
line segments. It appears that our procedure has counted each game twice. For instance,
when team A plays team B, team B also plays team A. To produce the correct result, we must
7×6
divide our previous result, 12, by 12. Hence, seven teams can play each other in = 21
2
games.

Since each team plays each opponent exactly three times, the total number of games is
21 × 3 = 63 games.

Example 4: You need to buy

groceries at the supermarket,
deposit a check at the bank, and
purchase a book at the bookstore.
You can complete the errands in any
order; however, you must start and
end at your home. The driving time
in minutes between each of these
locations is given in the figure. Find
the route for which total driving time is less than 30 minutes.

Solution: We do trial and error for each of the errand.

Route A: Home – Bank – Bookstore – Supermarket – Home = 30 min

Route B: Home – Bookstore – Bank – Supermarket – Home = 33 min

Route C: Home – Supermarket – Bank – Bookstore – Home = 33 min

Route D: Home – Bookstore – Supermarket – Bank – Home = 29 min

Then the route D has a total driving time of 29 minutes which is less than 30 minutes.

II. Solving a Problem Using Matrix Logic

The basic idea of logic problems is to solve them by matching up items in various categories.
Logic problems can be solved by a chart or a matrix. A matrix helps organize the information
in a problem in a useful way.

13
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Example 5. Each of four neighbors, Sean, Maria, Sarah and Brian, 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. Sarah, who is the last to get home from work, is not the editor.
3. The dentist and Sarah leave for work at the same time.
4. The banker lives next door to Brian.

Solution:

Form clue 1, Maria is not the banker or

the dentist. In the following chart, write × 1 Editor Banker Chef Dentist
(which stands for “ruled out by clue 1”) in the Sean
Banker and the Dentist Columns of Maria’s Maria ×1 ×1
row. Sarah
Brian

From clue 2, Sarah is not the editor.

Write × 2 (ruled out by clue 2) in the Editor Editor Banker Chef Dentist
column of Sarah’s row. We know from clue 1 Sean
that the banker is not the last to get home, and Maria ×1 ×1
we know rom clue 2 that Sarah is the last to Sarah ×2 ×2
get home, therefore, Sarah is not the banker. Brian
Write × 2 in the Banker column of Sarah’s row.

Form clue 3, Sarah is not the dentist.

Write × 3 for this condition. There are now × 𝑠 Editor Banker Chef Dentist
for three of the four occupations in Sarah’s
row; therefore, Sarah must be the chef. Place Sean ×3 ×3
a √ in that box. Since Sarah is the chef, none of √ Maria×1 ×1×3
the other three people can be the chef. Write Sarah ×2 ×2 √ ×3
× 3 for theses conditions. There are now × 𝑠 Brian ×3 ×3
for three of the four occupations in Maria’s row; therefore, Maria must be the editor. Insert
a √ to indicate that Maria is the editor, and write × 3 twice to indicate that neither Sean nor
Brian is the editor.

From clue 4, Brian is not the banker.

Write × 4 for this condition. Since there are Editor Banker Chef Dentist
three × 𝑠 in the Banker column, Sean must be Sean ×3 √ ×3 ×4
the banker. Place a √ in that box. Thus, Sean Maria √ ×1 ×3 ×1
cannot be the dentist. Write × 4 in that box. Sarah ×2 ×2 √ ×3
Since there are 3 × 𝑠 in the Dentist column, Brian ×3 ×4 ×3 √
Brian must be the dentist. Place a √ in that box.

14
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Example 6: The cities of Bacolod, Talisay, Silay and Bago held conventions this summer for
collectors of coins, stamps, comic books and baseball cards. From the following clues,
determine which collectors met in the city.

a) The comic book collectors’ convention was in August, as was the convention held in Talisay.

b) The baseball card collectors did not meet in Silay, and the coin collectors did not meet in
Bago or Talisay.

c) The convention in Bacolod was held during the week of July 4, whereas the coin collectors’
convention was held the week after that.

d) The convention in Talisay had more collectors attending it than did the stamp collectors’
convention

Example 7: Three friends – Albrecht, Neo and Francis – all start for their college volleyball
team. Each plays a different position: setter, middle blocker, and outside hitter. Of the three,
one is a freshman, one a sophomore, and the other a junior. From the clues below, determine
each men’s position and year in school.

a) Albrecht, is not the setter.

b) Neo has been in school longer than the middle blocker.

c) The middle blocker has been in school longer than the outside hitter.

d) Either Neo is the setter or Albrecht is the middle blocker.

III. Solving a Problem using Working Backwards

One of the most difficult aspects of working backwards is keeping track of a problem’s
information and organizing it in a meaningful way. This strategy contains a series of actions
that are better understood and clarified by working backward from the end to a desired action
sequence.

Example 8. Romeo’s family wants to arrive at the movie theater at 2:30 P.M. It takes them 30
minutes to travel to the theater, 15 minutes to get ready, and 30 minutes to eat lunch What
time should the family start eating?

Solution:

Therefore, Romeo’s family should start eating lunch at 1:15 PM.

15
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

IV. Solving a Problem using Guess and Check.

Solving problems using guess and check evaluates the guesses in a systematic way, which
enables to advance to more refined guesses.

Example 9: Farmer Lanos raises ducks and cows. She tries not to clutter her mind with too
many details, but she does think it’s important to remember how many animals she has and
how many feet those animals have. She thinks she remembers having 54 animals with 122
feet. How many of each type of animal does Farmer Lanos have?

Solution:

We need to allocate 54 animals into two portions. One for ducks (having two feet) and
the other one for cows (having four feet). We do trial and error. If there are 20 ducks, then
there are 34 cows. The total number of feet is 179, since, (20 × 2) + (34 × 4) = 40 + 136 =
179. 179 is too high compared to 122. Let us try 40 ducks and 14 cows. The total number of
feet is 136, since, (40 × 2) + (14 × 4) = 80 + 56 = 136. Using the table below and guess-
and-check strategy, we arrived the correct solution which is 47 ducks and 7 cows.
Ducks Cow Total
Ducks Cows Check
Feet Feet Feet
20 40 34 136 179 High
10 20 44 176 196 High
40 80 14 56 136 High
50 100 4 16 116 Low
45 90 9 36 126 Low
47 94 7 28 122 Correct

Therefore, there are 47 ducks and 7 cows.

Explain: Clarify Your Lesson!

Guide: In the movie Die Hard: With a Vengeance, Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson are given
a 5-gallon jug and a 3-gallon jug and they must put exactly 4 gallons of water on a scale to
keep a bomb from exploding. Figure out how they could accomplish this feat.

(You can watch the video clip: Die Hard: With a Vengeance)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cAbgAaEOVE)
16
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Name: Year and Section:

Elaborate: Challenge Yourself!
Solve the following problems using the different strategies and four steps in problem solving
of George Polya. Show complete solution.

1. You are going to enclose a rectangular garden by using an existing fence along one
side of the garden and 2,240 feet of new fence on the other three sides. You want the
length of the rectangular garden to be five times as long as its width. What will be the
dimensions of the rectangular garden?

2. A train 1-kilometer long travels through a tunnel 1 kilometer long at a rate of 1

kilometer per hour. How long will it take the train to pass completely through the
tunnel?

3. A ball rebounds one-half the height from which it is dropped. The ball is dropped from
a height of 160 feet and keeps on bouncing. What is the total vertical distance the ball
will travel from the moment it is dropped to the moment it hits the floor for the fifth
time?

4. Anna, Bernard and Clara had different number of stamps at first. Then Anna gave
Bernard 12 stamps. Bernard gave Clara 10 stamps and Clara gave Anna 4 stamps. In
the end they all had 20 stamps each. How many stamps did each of them have at
first?

5. Brian, Ryan, Tyler, and Ashley were recently elected as the new class officers
(president, vice president, secretary, treasurer) of the freshmen class at CHMSC. From
the following clues, determine which position each holds.
a) Ashley is younger than the president but older than the treasurer.
b) Brian and the secretary are both the same age, and they are the youngest
members of the group.
c) Tyler and the secretary are next-door neighbors.

6. Peter bought several notebooks at SN Store for ₱2.25 each and he bought a few more
notebooks at Assorted Store for ₱2.00 each. He spent the same amount of money in
both places and he bought 17 notebooks in total. How many notebooks did Peter buy
in each store?

17
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

Gauge Your Learning!

Solve the following problems using four steps in problem solving of George Polya. Show
complete solution.

1. Yvonne shipped some packages for her boss and can’t find the receipt, but she needs
an itemized list to get reimbursed. Here’s what she remembers: there were 12
packages total, split between small flat-rate boxes for Php 5 each and medium flat-
rate boxes for Php 10.50 each. The total cost was about Php 110. How many of each
type did she ship?

2. Everlou’s car gets 28 miles per gallon on long trips. She leaves hove, bound to
Kabankalan City 370 miles away. If she makes the drive in 6 hours, how many gallons
of gas per hour is the car burning?

3. The grade in Elena’s history class will be determined completely by three tests, each
worth 100 points. She scored 78 and 84 on the first two test, but still hopes to get an
Excellent grade, which would require an average of 92. What’s the minimum score she
can get on the third test?

4. A frog is at the bottom of a 17-foot well. Each time the frog leaps it moves up 3 feet.
If the frog has not reached the top of the well, then the frog slides back 1 foot before
it is ready to make another leap. How many leaps will the frog need to escape the
well?

5. Brian gave 10 stamps from his collection to both Sam and Rob. Then he gave 14 stamps
to Kathy and 6 stamps to Grace. He still had 275 stamps. How many stamps were in
Brian’s collection to begin with?

18
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01
Module 3 PROBLEM SOLVING AND REASONING

6. Each of four siblings (John, Jason, Jake and Jose) is given P 10,000 to invest in the stock
market. Each chooses a different stock. One chooses a utility stock, another an
automotive stock, another a technology stock, and the other an oil stock. From the
following clues, determine which sibling bought which stock.
a) John and the owner of the utility stock purchased their shares through an online
brokerage, whereas Jason and the owner of the automotive stock did not.
b) The gain in value of Jake’s stock is twice the gain in value of the automotive stock.
c) The technology stock is traded on Philippine Stock Exchange thru online, whereas
the stock that Jason bought is traded indirectly.

7. Riza got on the school bus. At the stop after Sarah’s, 7 students got on. Five students
got on the bus at the next stop. At the last stop before the school, 9 students got on.
When the bus arrived at school, 38 students got off. How many students were already
on the bus when Sarah got on?

8. Dave, Nora, Tony, and Andrea are members of the same family. Dave is 2 years older
than Andrea, who is 21 years older than Tony. Tony is 4 years older than Nora, who is
7 years old. How old are Dave, Tony, and Andrea?

9. The product of the ages, in years, of three teenagers is 4590. None of the teens are
the same age. What are the ages of the teenagers?

10. The school is setting up a rectangular area for a party. They have 100 feet between
two roads to use as width and 440 feet of fence to use. What length will use up the
total amount of fence and enclose the biggest space?

19
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Module GECMAT
College of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department Revision 01