Re: [MATHEDCC] Developmental Algebra and the TI-92

Geoff Hagopian (galois@cyberg8t.com)
Tue, 16 Sep 1997 21:01:35 -0700

How about "using a jack-hammer to push in a push pin," for an analogy? But it
doesn't quite work since, what is available to any student is not just a tack,
but a hodge podge of tacks, needle, nails, spikes and the likes. It is easy for
the student to see 2^11-1 is some whole number, but a fairly arduous process to
factor (hammer) it. Using the TI-92, one can factor not only this Mersenne
composite, but also 2^23-1, 2^29-1, etc. and perhaps gain some better
appreciation for the importance of prime numbers in factoring.

However, on balance, I expect that using the TI-92 in elementary algebra will
prove too distracting. Intermediate algebra is the earliest I use the
calculator, and then sparingly. I'm open to suggestions, all the same.

Geoff Hagopian
Palm Desert, CA

**************************
CoolMath2@AOL.COM wrote:

> In a message dated 97-09-16 09:12:37 EDT, elaughba@MATH.OHIO-STATE.EDU
> writes:
>
> << It is my understanding that Niki Shaw and Ignacio Alarcon at
> CSU-Bakersfield and Laurie Hopkins at Columbia College are using the CAS-based
> TI-92 in developmental algebra at their colleges. Is anyone else? >>
>
> Isn't that like killing a fly with a shotgun? I wonder what will happen to
> those students when they move on to other math courses and don't have the 92?
>
> And don't jump on me!! I teach with the 86..... but I think that this
> technology should be held off until after the developmental courses.
>
> Karen
> Orange Coast College
> http://members.aol.com/coolmath2/coolmath.htm
> *****

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