Re: [MATHEDCC] Why simplify fractions?

Kathy Burgis (kburgis@ALPHA.LANSING.CC.MI.US)
Tue, 07 Oct 1997 17:00:39 -0400

vince@austin.cc.tx.us wrote:
>
> When there are an infinite possible ways to write an answer shouldn't there
> be a standard form?
Knowing that there are an infinite number of equivalent forms is a much
deeper understanding than thinking there is only one "correct" answer.
Denying a student credit, when they have used a mathematically
equivalent, but not "simplified" form, distorts the student's
understanding of mathematics.

Cheers,
Kathy Burgis
Lansing Community College
Lansing, Michigan
****************************************************************************
* 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/ *
****************************************************************************