Formal Logic and the NCTM Standards

Mathematics as Problem Solving, Mathematics as Communication, Mathematics as Reasoning, and Mathematical Connections are critical items throughout the NCTM Standards. They appear at every level because they form the core of what it means to do mathematics. All of these standards are addressed when students experiment with and apply logical reasoning

Mathematical truth is founded on logic. In mathematics, it is impossible to draw conclusions and declare them true if the conclusions don't stand on a solid foundation of logic. Even more interesting, however, is the fact that logic can be used to penetrate the "obvious". When it appears that not enough information has been provided, logical reasoning can sometimes fill in the gaps and show you more information than you thought that you had.

Logic is critical to problem solving and reasoning. Students have a chance, when performing this play, to engage in both of these activities, and in order to convince anyone that what they have discovered is true, they will have to navigate some tricky labyrinths of communication.