Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Symbolic Reasoning
Today’s Agenda
Mathematical Reasoning: Review & Sharing
a b a b
Example:
Algebraic Errors… are Reasonable?
a b a b
This error results from the assumption that the square
root function is linear. That indicates a basic
misunderstanding of the square root funtion…
Example:
a b a b
Matz’s Classification of High
School Algebra Errors
Examples:
If 4 X 46, then X 6
4 5 1
If X , then X
3 3 3
Matz’s Classification of High
School Algebra Errors
Example:
Solve for x :
5 5
4
2 x 2 x
5(2 x) 5(2 x) 4
Algebra Errors – Your Turn
Look at the common algebra errors on your
handout. With your group members, classify
them according to Matz’s framework.
Symbolic Reasoning
• Find the error in the argument below.
xx
x 11 x 0
(1 x) 1 (x 1) 1
(1 x) 1 (x 1) 1
1 x 1 x 1 1
04
Symbolic Reasoning
• Why does the last statement contradict the first?
• What is the error?
• How would you describe this type of error?
xx
(x) 2 (x) 2
(x 5) 2 5 2 (x) 2
x 2 10x 25 25 x 2
x 2 10x x 2
10x 0
x 0
Reasoning with Magic (Squares)
Reasoning with Magic Squares
Place the digits 1-9 in the box so that the sum along
any row, column, or diagonal is the same.
More Questions on Magic Squares
1. Do the entries in a magic square have to be 1,
2, …, n2 ?
2. What other sequences could you use?
3. Can the set of numbers {1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14,
16} be used to form a 3 X 3 magic square?
Or {0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11}?
4. In a 3X3 square, the center square is always
___________ of the magic sum.
5. What is the general form of a 3X3 magic
square if a is the value of the center?
Reasoning with Magic Squares
1 + 3 + 5 + … + (2n -1) = n2
The Geometry of Algebra
Geometric representations of algebraic
processes can be helpful
For example, interpreting “n2” as
a square of dimensions, n x n
Let’s try another…
Completing the Square