Posted in Algebra, Math Lessons

Ten problem solving and geometric construction tasks

I’ve written a number of posts the last couple of months which I published in other sites. They are problem solving tasks mostly in geometry using GeoGebra and a few on function, trigonometry and calculus. May I share 10 of them here. The first six are teaching resources which I posted in AgIMat, a site about science and math teaching resources. The last four problems are in Math Problems for K-12 to help students in their revision.  Both sites are new ones. I hope you subscribe and promote them in your social networks. Thank you.

  1. Problem solving on congruent segments
  2. Square and triangle problem
  3. Triangle Congruence by ASA
  4. Angle bisector – two definitions
  5. Constructing the perpendicular bisector
  6. Exponential function and its inverse
  7. How to sketch the graph of the derivative of a function
  8. Ratio and probability problem
  9. Trigonometric equations and their graphs
  10. Proving trigonometric identities #1

 

Posted in Algebra, GeoGebra worksheets, Math Lessons

Teaching maximum area problem with GeoGebra

Remember that classic maximum area problem? Here’s a version of it: Pam wishes to fence off a rectangular vegetable garden in her backyard. She has 18 meters of  fencing wire which she will use to fence three sides of the garden with the existing fence forming the fourth side. Calculate the maximum area she can enclose.

This problem is usually given as an application problem and is solved algebraically. For example if x is one of the two equal sides to be fenced then the area is the function f(x) = x (18-2x). The maximum area can be found by graphing or by inspection. If students have done a bit of calculus already then they can use the first derivate to solve the problem. But with free technology such as GeoGebra, there should be no excuse not to make the teaching of this topic less abstract especially for Year 9 or 10 students. It need not be at the end of the chapter on quadratic but as an introductory lesson for quadratics. Here’s a GeoGebra applet I made which can be used to teach this topic more visually and conceptually. Below is the image of the applet. I did not embed the applet here because it takes a while to load. Click maximum_area_problem worksheet to explore.

Here’s my suggested teaching approach using this applet. Students need to be given a bit of time exploring it before asking them the following questions:

  1. Pam wishes to fence off a rectangular vegetable garden in her backyard. She found fencing wires stored in their garage which she will use to fence three sides of the garden with the existing fence forming the fourth side. How long is Pam’s fencing wire? What are some of the sizes of gardens Pam can have with the fencing wires?
  2. If you were Pam, what garden size will you choose? Why?
  3. What do the coordinates of P represent? How about the path of P, what information can we get from it?
  4. As the length of BD changes so does the length of the other two sides. What equation will describe the relationship between the length of BD and EF? between BD and DE? between BD and area BDEF.
  5. What equation of function will run through the path of P? Type it in the input bar to check.
  6. What does the tip of the graph tell you about the area of the garden?

Feel free to use the comments sections for other questions and suggestions for teaching this topic. How to teach the derivative function without really trying is a good sequel to this lesson. More lessons in Math Lessons in Mathematics for Teaching.

Posted in Math Lessons

Math Lessons in Mathematics for Teaching

This is a collection of math lessons posted in this blog.  Most if not all of the lessons use the strategy teaching through problem solving or through mathematical investigation. I believe that school mathematics is about teaching students how to think mathematically first and learning the mathematics second so  math lessons should be designed so that students are engaged in thinking mathematically. This is something that should not be left to chance.

  1. How to grow algebra eyes and ears
  2. How to teach the inverse function
  3. How to teach the derivative function without really trying
  4. How to scaffold problem solving in geometry
  5. What is a coordinate system?
  6. How to teach triangle congruence through problem solving
  7. Teaching the meaning of equal sign
  8. Geometry lesson: Collapsible chair model
  9. Teaching negative numbers via the numberline with a twist
  10. Introducing negative numbers
  11. Teaching with GeoGebra – Investigating coordinates of points
  12. Teaching simplifying and adding radicals
  13. Teaching with GeoGebra: Squares and Square Roots
  14. Teaching trigonometry via problem solving
  15. Introducing positive and negative numbers
  16. Teaching subtraction of integers
  17. Algebraic thinking and subtracting integers – Part 2
  18. Subtracting integers using tables- Part 1
  19. Teaching the absolute value of an integer
  20. Teaching with GeoGebra: Constructing polygons with equal area