Actually, the calculator is following the rule (it's own). Since all
negative numbers have to be entered by touching the +/- key after the
number entry, it is consistent to type the +/- after doing the
exponentiation. (-2)^2 would be typed with the sequence 2, +/-, y/x, 2;
while -2^2 would be typed (2, y/x, 2), +/-. The problem is with the
requirement to enter the negation after, rather than before, the entry.
John M. Flanigan <johnf@hawaii.edu> The equation is the final arbiter.
Math Resource Instructor --Werner Heisenberg
Kapi'olani Community College The scoreboard is the final arbiter.
Honolulu, Hawaii --Bill Walton
On Sun, 14 Sep 1997, Laura Petersen wrote:
> As long we're on anecdotes, I had a student come up to me before class
> last week and announce that he had discovered why you always have to be
> thinking when you use a calculator. We were doing some standard order of
> operations problems; I test their competency on doing "simple"
> problems without calculators e.g. 12 + 6/3 - 1 (12 + 6) / (3-1) and then
> do more complicated ones with the aid of a calculator which probably has
> order of operations programmed into it. Anyway, this student discovered
> that his calculator could not distinguish between -4^2 and (-4)^2, it
> treated both as positive 16. In this case, technology helped this student
> clarify his understanding of notation and order of operations.
>
> By the way, he is an older student back in school after wrecking his back
> as a logger. He started in arithmetic with me, saddled with a case of
> perfectionism and math anxiety. I used the preliminary version of Martha
> Haehl's arithmetic book that is coming out this fall; a combination of
> manipulatives, estimation checked by technology, and arithmetic with
> "easy numbers" that is done without technology. The technology seems to
> really help them get past the math anxiety and the assessment of
> algorithm proficiency without technology helps them not crutch on the
> technology.
>
> Everytime we debate these issues, I return to the same conclusions:
> don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Take little bites and chew
> well. Everything in moderation (including moderation).
>
> --Laura
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------
> Laura Bracken petersen@lcsc.edu
>
> Division of Natural Sciences PHONE 208-799-2484
> Lewis-Clark State College FAX 208-799-2064
> 500 8th Avenue
> Lewiston ID 83501-2698 USA
> -------------------------------------------------------------
>
> ****************************************************************************
> * 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/ *
> ****************************************************************************
>
****************************************************************************
* 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/ *
****************************************************************************