Undergraduate / Find X = solving of a problem --University of Chicago Supplement [4]

Anyone mind giving me some feedback? Much appreciated.

Find X

The process of finding x refers to solving of a problem. X is a solution, and needs to be found. While the problem is unknown, it can be stated with certainty that X is the solution. If it were not, why would it be useful to find it? Humans use to basic methods of problem solving. Based on logic, humans use either deductive or inductive reasoning to draw conclusions and solve problems. In order to find x, deductive or inductive reasoning is used. Deductive reasoning is when a solution is arrived upon from general statements. Contrarily, inductive reason draws upon specific statements to determine more general solutions. In order to use reasoning in order to solve problems, essentially find x, humans use either of the two.

In the most simplistic sense, deductive reasoning is based on a premise. An accepted truth or statement is used as the foundation of problem solving. As long as the original premise is true, so is the solution or conclusion. For example, in determining the species of fish a University of Chicago student has caught out of Lake Michigan, a student might use deductive reasoning. In order to find x, or determine the species, he must reason using deductive reasoning. His biology professor told him that all salmon have one adipose fin above the tail. The fish he caught has one adipose fin above the tail. Thus by using deductive reasoning, he can conclude that the fish is a salmon. In order to find x, the Maroon uses deductive reasoning based on the foundation that his biology teacher gave him.

The alternate method of finding x is inductive reasoning. Inductive reason is the solving of a general solution from specific statements. It opposite in deductive reasoning as it finds a general solution from specific facts. Using specific statements that are accepted and true, a general solution can be found. For example, the same University of Chicago students makes an observation while he is fishing. He notices that all of the salmon in the lake are silver with green spots. Because of this observation, he induces that the next salmon he catches will be silver with green dots. The student is trying to find a solution to a simple question: what will the next salmon I catch look like? By using inductive reasoning based on his observations, he can determine the solution to his question and find x.

In order to find x, humans generally use two different methods. Inductive and deductive reasoning is prevalent in all academic areas. Mathematics, the arts, and science all rely heavily on inductive or deductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning is often used when they are based on premises such as laws, rules, or widely accepted principles. They take a general statement and use it to solve for specific solutions. Conversely, inductive reasoning is often based observations or experiences. Inductive reasoning determines general solutions from specific facts. Whenever a person is faced with a problem, and asked to find x, two primary methods are used. While it the complexity of the question and solutions may vary, the method of solving is usually deductive or inductive reasoning.