Re: [MATHEDCC] Re: new Approaches to Algebra

SYRILDA MILLER (SYMILLER@ECLIPSE.NET)
Fri, 10 Apr 1998 12:48:41 -0400

Helen Burn wrote:
>
> I'm teaching a coordinated studies course this quarter which combines
> college algebra with
> writing. The title is: Relations and Functions: What's a Nice Variable
> Like You Doing in a Place Like This? We have a group of 20 students,
> many of which don't like math. To engage them, I've have them find their
> own data on the Web: linear, exponential; had them write about the
> data: implications, trends, using appropriate terminology; look at
> pictures using EXCEL and the graphics calculator. So far so good. Even
> the symbol manipulation portion of the course is going well, I think.
> I'm a bit worried, however, about when we get to higher order polynomials
> and rational functions. We're working under the model of experiential
> learning and social constructivism.

Helen--

There is a recent article in the April 1998 isssue of the Mathematics
Teacher published by NCTM under the Media Clips section giving a recent
discovery about mathematical laws governing the way size effects
structure, physiology and life history of diverse organisms. It seems
that the mathematical models are *all* functions of a formula containing
x^(1/4) or x^ (-1/4) or x^(3/4). I tried it out on gestation periods of
rodents and it came in almost perfectly at a function of x^(1/4). The
people who discovered this aren't sure what causes it or the
implications, but it sure is interesting.

Syrilda
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