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1.1/1.2 Making Conjectures: Inductive Reasoning
Figure
Number of
Triangles
Conjecture:
Inductive Reasoning:
Example: Use inductive reasoning to make a conjecture about the product of two odd integers.
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Example:
What conjecture can you make based on this data?
Example: Use inductive reasoning to make a conjecture about the difference between consecutive
perfect squares.
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Checking the validity of a conjecture:
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1.3 Counterexamples to Conjectures
Counter Example:
Example: Each of the following circles has points marked on the circumference and lines that connect all
of the points. Make a conjecture about how the number of points affects the number of regions in the
circle. Determine if it is valid.
Number of
points
Number of
Regions
Is one counterexample enough to disprove a conjecture?
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Example:
Examine the pattern below. Does it continue?
(1)(8) + 1 = 9
(12)(8) + 2 = 98
(123)(8) + 3 = 987
(1234)(8) + 4 = 9876
(12345)(8) + 5 =98765
Can we find a counter example?
** Even if you cannot find a counter example, you cannot be certain that there is not one**
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1.4 Deductive Reasoning
Proof:
Example: Jon discovered a pattern when adding integers:
He claims that whenever you add five consecutive integers, the sum is always 5 times the median of the
numbers.
How can you prove that Jon’s conjecture is true for all integers?
Deductive Reasoning:
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Example: Using deductive reasoning to make a valid conclusion.
All dogs are mammals. All mammals are vertebrates. Shaggy is a dog. What can be deduced about
Shaggy?
Transitive Property:
If two quantities are equal to the same quantity, then they are equal to each other.
Example: Using deductive reasoning to prove a geometric conjecture.
Prove that when two straight lines intersect, the vertically opposite angles are equal.
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1.5 Proofs That Are Not Valid
Invalid Proof:
Example of an invalid assumption:
Zack is a high school student. All high school students dislike cooking. Therefore, Zack dislikes cooking.
Where is the error in the reasoning?
Example:
Bev claims he can prove that 3 = 4.
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Circular Reasoning:
Example: Using reasoning to determine the validity of a proof
Liz claims she has proved that -5 = 5
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Example: Using reasoning to determine the validity of a proof
Hossai is trying to prove the following number trick: Choose any number. Add 3. Double it. Add 4. Divide
by 2. Take away the number you started with. Each time Hossai tries the trick, she ends up with 5. Her
proof, however, does not give the same result.
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1.6 Reasoning to Solve Problems
Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning:
Inductive and deductive reasoning are both useful in problem solving.
Inductive Reasoning Deductive Reasoning
- Often involves a simpler problem or a - Involves a generalized solution to a
specific scenario broader, or more open-ended problem.
- Has us observing patterns and drawing - Has us use known facts or assumptions to
conclusions (conjectures) from these develop a logical argument and prove a
observations. conjecture.
- May have to create multiple examples to - Often makes use of variables when
observe a pattern proving a conjecture.
Example: Using inductive and deductive reasoning
Emma was given this math trick: • Choose a number • Multiply by 6 • Add 4 • Divide by 2 • Subtract 2.
Emma was asked to use inductive reasoning to make a conjecture about the relationship between the
starting and ending numbers, and then use deductive reasoning to prove that her conjecture is always
true. Here is her response to the problem:
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Example:
The members of a recently selected varsity basketball team met each other at their first team meeting.
Each person shook the hand of every other person. The team had 12 players and 2 coaches. How many
handshakes were exchanged?
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Example: Sue signed up for games at her school’s fun night. Seven other people were assigned to her
group, making up four pairs of partners. The other members of her group were Dave, Angie, Josh, Tanya,
Joy, Stu, and Linus. When the games started, Dave and his partner were to the left of Stu. Across from
Dave was Sue, who was to the right of Josh. Dave’s brother’s partner, Tanya, was across from Stu. Joy
was not on Stu’s right. Name the four pairs of partners.
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1.7 Analyzing Puzzles and Games
Nadine and Alice are playing a toothpick game. They place a pile of 20 toothpicks on a desk and
alternate turns. On each turn, the player can take one or two toothpicks from the pile. The player to
remove the last toothpick is the winner. Nadine and Alice flip a coin to determine the starting player. Is
there a strategy Alice can use to ensure that she wins the game?