Question

Which principle is followed in the use of deductive method in teaching Mathematics?
1. Proceeds from unknown to known
2. Proceeds from known to unknown
3. Proceeds from particular to general
4. Proceeds from simple to complex

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Proceeds from unknown to known

Mathematics is the study of numbers, shape, quantity, and patterns. The nature of mathematics is logical and it relies on logic and connects learning with learners' day-to-day life.

• Teaching methods of mathematics include problem-solving, lecture, inductive, deductive, analytic, synthetic, heuristic and discovery method. Teacher adopts any method according to the needs and interests of students.

Deductive Method: The deductive method is based on deduction. At first, the rules are given and then students are asked to apply these rules to solve more problems.

• It begins with general premises and through logical argument, comes to a specific conclusion.
• For example, while teaching mathematics, the teacher introduces a theory and explains the rules of the theory and the formula, and the students are asked to solve problems using the given formula.

• Deductive approach proceeds from-

  • General to specific
  • Unknown to know
  • Complex to simple
  • Formula to example

Hence, it could be concluded that unknown to known principle is followed in the use of the deductive method in teaching Mathematics.

Inductive Method: Inductive approach is based on the process of induction. It is a method of constructing a formula with the help of a sufficient number of concrete examples. 

• Induction means to provide a universal truth by showing, that if it is true for a particular case.
• Inductive approach proceeds from-
  • Particular to general
  • Known to unknown
  • Simple to complex
  • Example to formula

Example: Square of an odd number is odd and the square of an even number is even.