[MATHEDCC] Squares

Vince McGarry (vince@AUSTIN.CC.TX.US)
Mon, 6 Oct 1997 08:48:28 +0100

As a little HW research problem I gave my students in intermediate algebra
the following: Divide each of the first ten squares by 4, then examine the
answers. What conclusions can you make about dividing squares by the number
4?

All the students who responded made the follwing table:

1=F74=3D0.25
4=F74=3D1
9=F74=3D2.25
16=F74=3D4
25=F74=3D6.25
36=F74=3D9
49=F74=3D12.25
64=F74=3D16
81=F74=3D20.25
100=F74=3D25

I haven't read all the answers in detail, but none of the students (out of
nearly 30) recognized the modulus relationship. Curious.

Vince McGarry
Department of Mathematics
Austin Community College
Austin, TX
(512) 223-3358
=46AX (512) 467-8739

****************************************************************************
* To post to the list: email mathedcc@archives.math.utk.edu *
* To unsubscribe, send mail to: majordomo@archives.math.utk.edu *
* In the mail message, enter ONLY the words: unsubscribe mathedcc *
* Words in the Subject: line are NOT processed! *
* Archives at http://archives.math.utk.edu/hypermail/mathedcc/ *
****************************************************************************