[MATHEDCC] Squares

Phil Mahler (mahlerp@admin.middlesex.cc.ma.us)
Mon, 06 Oct 1997 17:44:56 EST5EDT4,M4.1.0,M10.5.0

>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÷4=0.25
>4÷4=1
>9÷4=2.25
>16÷4=4
>25÷4=6.25
>36÷4=9
>49÷4=12.25
>64÷4=16
>81÷4=20.25
>100÷4=25
>
>I haven't read all the answers in detail, but none of the students (out of
>nearly 30) recognized the modulus relationship. Curious.

I give up. What's the modulus relationship here? I know I'll feel stupid
when I see the answer, but I'd still like to see the answer.

Phil Mahler
Middlesex CC
Bedford, MA

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