Mathematical Activities with Computer Algebra

Av T. A. Etchells, M. Hunter, J. Monaghan, S. Pozzi, A. Rothery

126 sidor, 1997, 299 kr (exkl. moms och frakt)

A photocopiable resource book.

Computer algebra systems will have a significant impact on the way people carry out their mathematics. This photocopiable resource book is the first of a new generation of support materials for the educational use of computer algebra. Designed to be used with any computer algebra system, the authors go beyond mere button pressing and show how to harness the power of computer algebra systems for educational purposes.

The book is aimed at students in the over-16 age range in sixth forms, colleges and first year higher education in universities, in the UK and USA. The choice of topics is compatible with A level mathematics in the UK, SCAA guidelines and NCTM standards in the USA.

Concepts are illustrated, techniques and methods presented, and modelling and applications are explained. Activity Worksheets, Help Sheets and Teaching Notes cover a wide range of mathematical topics, including: functions and graphs, differentiation, integration, sequences and series, vectors and matrices, mechanics, trigonometry, and numerical methods. The activities illustrate the potential impact of this revolutionary technology and will help teachers and lecturers make a start in implementing its use.

The design of the book enables it to be used flexibly for class, lab, group or individual work. Appendices give overviews of DERIVE, Maple, Mathematica, Theorist (MathPlus), Macsyma and the TI-92 calculator, showing how each implements the key commands.

What the book offers:
* 23 photocopiable student worksheets
* 23 photocopiable optional student help sheets
* detailed teaching notes and solutions
* an approach which permits use of any computer algebra system
* a range of mathematical topics in the 16+ curriculum
* activities which easily align with standard teaching topics

Organisation and content:
The activities are at different levels of difficulty, making it easier to identify activities for the particular needs of any group of students. Some activities cover mathematical techniques and concepts and many relate to an applicable mathematics or modelling context. In some cases, suggested extensions to activities provide ample material for an extended project.