Hello,
I have a questiion with regards to (a graphing calculator). When solving
f(x) = 6-2x. When f(x) is 2/3 I get the answer of 4.6667. I know by
looking in the back of the book that the answer is 4 2/3. How can I get the
calculator to show me that .6667 is 2/3? I knew it had to be 4 and a
fraction and I guess I could have solved it by hand but 2/3 = .6666666667
according to my calculator. With all this technology there must be an
easier way. To find the answer I did set my table to independent ask and
the answer is 4.6667. If worked on the home screen I get 4.6666666667.
Then I can convert it to 14/3 = 4 2/3. Is there an easier way? I hope so.
End of letter.
My impression based on this letter is that this student is a bright,
industrious, inquisitive, and serious student. He wants to figure out what
is happening. he knows something is wrong and is working diligently to try
and find out what. I have nothing but commendations to give him.
My concern is this: Is he being trained on how to use a calculator to get
right answers (the answer he got is different from the back of the book)?
Is he being trained to never do anything by hand that the calculator can do?
Is he being educated to understand concepts?
BTW, I assume it was just a typo and when he said "When f(x) = 2/3" that he
meant to say "When x = 2/3".
Does he understand the relationship between decimals and fractions? Does he
understand the concept of repeating decimals? Does he think that 2/3 really
does equal .6666666667? Does it really matter?
Please don't misunderstand. I use technology in the classroom. I love it.
I think it can enhance teaching. But every year, it seems, I get more
students who are experts on punching buttons on a calculator, but extremely
weak on understanding algebraic concepts.
Have we decided that training is better than educating? Do students need
to understand concepts and relationships? Am I over-reacting? I keep
hearing the words of Jaime Escalante, "Do you want to be the guy who repairs
the car, or designs it?"
Off my soap box and out of my ivory tower,
Bret
Bret Taylor Lake-Sumter Community College Leesburg FL
"It matters not the subject taught, nor all the books on all the shelves.
What matters more, yes most of all, is what the teachers are themselves."
John Wooden
John 3: 3^3 + 3
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