Re: Inappropriate use of hand-held technology in the math classroom

Rob Kimball (rlkimbal@WTCC-GW.WAKE.TEC.NC.US)
Mon, 3 Feb 1997 14:50:20 -0500

I have found that the spreadsheet; either with the graph built into the
spreadsheet, or used in conjunction with a graphics calculator, helps build
number sense. Using a three-pronged approach to solving problems teaches
them to examine problems symbolically, numerically and graphically. At some
point the numerical and graphical approach mean the same thing to the
student.

For example, solve a system of two equations:
x - y = 1
2x + 4y = 11

The graphs show that they intersect but so does the spreadsheet
|\ / x y1 y2
| \ / 1 0 2.25
| /\ 2 1 1.75 1 is smaller than 1.75
| / \ 3 2 1.25 2 is larger than 1.25
|________\_______

..then we zoom...
graphically and numerically
.
. \ / 2.3 1.3 1.6
. x 2.4 1.4 1.55
. / \ 2.5 1.5 1.5
. 2.6 1.6 1.45
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Robert L Kimball 919-662-3602 (Office)
Chair, Mathematics and Physcs Dept 919-266-0850 (Home)
Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC 27603-5696