Ch 2: Problem Solving & Reasoning Skills
About This Chapter
FTCE Middle Grades Math: Problem Solving & Reasoning Skills - Chapter Summary
Make sure you're ready for the FTCE Middle Grades Math exam by going over the problem solving and reasoning skills content you'll find on the test. This chapter includes lessons that help you study:
- Different principles for solving math problems
- Various problem-solving strategies
- Connective reasoning
- Logical equivalence
- Conditional statements in mathematics
- Propositions and truth values
The quizzes at the end of the chapter will give you the chance to check your understanding of what you've reviewed. You can look over the lessons again if there are certain topics you'd like to review further.
1. Reasoning in Mathematics: Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
Many people think that deductive and inductive reasoning are the same thing. It is assumed these words are synonymous. They are not. This lesson reveals the reality of these two types of reasoning.
2. Mathematical Principles for Problem Solving
Solving problems is not just a simple, straightforward process. There are a few principles that can help you as you approach any problem solving scenarios. This lesson covers those principles with examples.
3. The Three-Way Principle of Mathematics
What methods are there to solve and understand mathematical problems? This lesson will review three methods to understand mathematical problems (verbal, graphical, and by example). Each will be illustrated with examples.
4. Polya's Four-Step Problem-Solving Process
Problem solving can be a problem. Any problem is solved easier with an action plan. Polya's 4-Step Problem-Solving Process is discussed in this lesson to help students develop an action plan for addressing problems.
5. Solving Mathematical Problems Using Estimation
Estimating is a method of calculating a result that is close to, but not exactly, the correct answer to a math problem. Why would you ever need to do this? This lesson reviews estimating and answers the question as to why you would do it.
6. Types of Problems & Problem Solving Strategies
We solve hundreds of small problems everyday. This lesson covers different types of problems, such as routine vs. non-routine, and many of the different problem-solving strategies we use, including algorithms, heuristics, graphic representations and the IDEAL Strategy.
7. How to Solve Visualizing Geometry Problems
A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes drawing that picture can be like doing origami with your eyes closed. Practice translating complex problems into simple, meaningful images in this lesson.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the College Preparatory Mathematics: Help and Review course
- Math Foundations: Help and Review
- Percents in Math Basics
- Decimals & Fractions Overview
- Understanding Fractions & Mixed Numbers
- Linear Equations: Help and Review
- Solving and Graphing Inequalities: Help and Review
- Graphing and Factoring Quadratic Equations: Help and Review
- Complex and Imaginary Numbers: Help and Review
- Properties of Exponents: Help and Review
- Properties of Polynomial Functions: Help and Review
- Simplifying and Solving Rational Expressions: Help and Review
- Properties of Functions: Help and Review
- Logarithms and Exponential Equations: Help and Review
- Data & Estimation
- Logic in Math: Help and Review
- Sets: Help and Review
- Basic Probability and Statistics: Help and Review
- Geometric Laws & Proofs
- Geometry in College Preparatory Math: Help and Review
- Grade Level Math Vocabulary: Help and Review
