Mathematics Education

Nature of problem solving

Nature of logic

Nature of Mathematics
Nature of calculation

Nature of numbers

Nature of measurement

Nature of Problem solving

In Mathematics, problem solving generally involves being presented with a written out problem in which the learner has to interpret the problem, devise a method to solve it, follow mathematical procedures to achieve the result and then analyze the result to see if it is an acceptable solution to the problem presented. Problem solving is an important component of mathematics education which is an easy way to consistently arrive at effective and satisfying solutions. Polyas Model which is developed by George Polya. It plays a important role for problem solving.

 4 steps: 1. Understand the problem You must read the problem carefully. Identify which quantity the problem is asking you to solve for. 2.Devise a plan Polya mentions that there are many reasonable ways to solve problems. The skill at choosing an suitable strategy is best learned by solving many problems.

 A partial list of strategies: Look for a pattern Draw a picture Guess and check Solve a simpler problem Use a model Use a formula Use algebra

3. Carry out the plan Carrying out your plan solution, check each step

of

the

4. Look back. Examine the solution obtained. Does the answer you found seem reasonable?

Example of problem solving : The subscription fee of a club for men and women are in the ratio 4:3. There is a group of 2 men and 5 women who paid RM 4600 as the total subscription fee. How much is the subscription fee for a man?
Step 1: Understanding the problem. The ratio is 4:3 for man and women. The total subscription fee is RM 4600 for 2 men and 5 women. We have to find out the subscription fee for a man. Step 2: Devise a plan. Since the ratio for men and women is 4:3 and RM 4600 is the total subscription fee for 2 men and 5 women, we can use algebra to solve this problem according to this equation.

 Strategy 1 : Using Algebra Lets say that x = man and y = woman, x:y=4:3 x/y=4/3 4y = 3x y = 3/4 x The total subscription fee for 2 men and 5 women is RM 4600, thus: 2x + 5y = 4600

2x + 5 (3/4 x) = 4600 2x + 15/4 x = 4600 x (2 + 15/4) = 4600 x (23/4) = 4600 x = 4600 4/23 x = 800 Answer: The subscription fee for a man is RM 800.

 Step 4: Looking back. 1 man = RM 800 2 men = RM 800 x 2 = RM 600 = RM 1600 1 woman = RM 200 x 3 5 women = RM 600 x 5 = RM 3000 The total subscription fee = RM 1600 + RM 3000 = RM 4600

Nature of Logic
Logic - the study of the principles of correct reasoning. The word logic originally derived from the Greek word logos.
Aristotle- the first philosopher organized the laws of reasoning.

 Divided into two main categories: Inductive reasoning Deductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning (inductive logic) is a type of reasoning that involves moving from a set of specific facts to a general conclusion. 1+3=4 (even number) Induction 5+11=16 (even number) Therefore, an odd number added to another odd number will result in an even number.

 Deductive reasoning (deductive logic) is reasoning which constructs or evaluates deductive arguments. A deductive argument is valid if and only if the truth of the conclusion actually does follow necessarily.
All men are mortal John is a man John is mortal

Deduction

Nature of Calculation
A calculation is a deliberate process for transforming one or more inputs into one or more results, with variable change. Arithmetical calculation is an oldest and most elementary branch of mathematics used by almost everyone. It involves the study of quantity, especially as the result of combining numbers.

 In common usage, it refers to the simpler properties when using the traditional operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with smaller values of numbers. Addition (mathematical process of combining quantities) Subtraction (inverse of addition) Multiplication (repeated addition) Division ( inverse of multiplication)

 Other calculations which are involving of use of algebra formulas: Laws of exponents Quadratic formula Binomial theorem

Nature of Numbers
Natural numbers (counting numbers) In our daily life, we often use the numbers 1,2,3,4 for counting the number of things or objects. For example, we mention 3 apples, 5 meters of cloths, 10 liters of oil , sunflower with 34 petals and so on.
Sunflower with 34 petals

 Prime numbers( 2, 3, 5, 7, ) Integrals is the number include zero and negative number Rational numbers is the sets of number that in the form of m/n Irrational number is the numbers which are not rational numbers. Irrational number are often found in the solution of algebra equations. (etc: X^2 = 2)

Nature of Measurements
To measure an object is assign a number to its size. The number representing its linear dimension, as measured from end to end, is called its measure or length. To measure length, we use meter (m), centimeter (cm), kilometer (km) and others. Perimeter Area Volume Capacity

Discrete Quantity
Half a chair is not also a chair; half a tree is not also a tree; and half an atom is surely not also an atom. A chair, a tree, and an atom are examples of a discrete unit. A discrete unit is indivisible, in the sense that if it is divided, then what results will not be that unit, that thing, any more -- half a person is not also a person

 To determine how much there is of a discrete quantity, one simply has to count the number of items in a collection. For example ,one person, two, three, four, and so on. In addition, a collection of discrete units will have only certain parts. For example ten people can be divided only in half, fifths, and tenths. You cannot take a third of them.

Continuous Quantity
A continuous quantity is nothing to count and It is not a number of anything. To determine how much there is of a continuous quantity, however, one must measure it. A B That distance is not made up of discrete units. There is nothing to count. It is not a number of anything. That means that as we go from A to B, the line "continues" without a break.

The End!
Thank You!