Re: [Fwd: Re: [MATHEDCC] Why simplify fractions?]

Geoffrey Akst (akst@idt.net)
Mon, 6 Oct 1997 21:11:26 -0400

At 8:30 PM -0400 10/6/97, Kathy Burgis wrote:
>The problem is that "simplified," as we have often defined it for our
>beginning algebra students, is not always simpler. Moreover, to enforce
>the rule of "simplified", we deny credit for mathematically correct
>work. This reinforces the student's notion that math is arbitrary, not
>logical and consistent.

Hi Kath. I agree that sometimes it's hard to tell which of two
equivalent mathematical expressions is "simpler." But is there a question
with respect to 11/22 and 1/2?

Geoffrey Akst
Mathematics Department
Manhattan Community College
199 Chambers Street
NY, NY 10007
(v) 212/346-8530, -8531, -8532
(f) 212/346-8550
(e) akst@idt.net

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