Fighting Algebra Fatigue with Excel : Fighting Algebra Fatigue with Excel Reva Narasimhan
Kean University, NJ
rnarasim@kean.edu
Introduction : Introduction 40% of all college students begin their college careers with one or more developmental mathematics class (Source: National Center for Education Statistics)
By the time they take the college level math courses, many are weary (and wary) of algebra.
Using Excel adds another dimension to their knowledge – it’s not a rehash of the same high school algebra
Why spreadsheets? : Why spreadsheets? Spreadsheet software is widely available and easy to learn.
Algebraic concepts are often too abstract for many students.
These concepts take on more meaning when they can be explored in a concrete fashion.
Online spreadsheets : Online spreadsheets Docs.google.com
Office.live.com
www.zoho.com
All offer free online spreadsheets. They have limited functionality (no Goal seek, for example) but can be handy to get started.
Designing Materials : Designing Materials Demos
Short interactive pieces to get across a single concept. Allows users to put to see pencil and paper work “come to life”
Download files at
www.mymathspace.net/excel
Review Example: Slope of Line : Review Example: Slope of Line Students tie together the geometric, algebraic and numerical representations of the slope of a line.
The numeric representation is through a table, with the algebraic representation given by the underlying formulas used in creating the input/output table. The geometric representation is given by the resulting graph of the line.
More Demos : More Demos Parabolas: shows the effect of the values of a,b, and c on the shape of the parabola
Composite functions: shows the meaning of domain of composite functions
Excel Tip: Sliders : Excel Tip: Sliders Adding sliders is straightforward (at least in Office 2003) – Go to
View > Toolbars > Forms
Single click on the slider icon. Position on worksheet. Adjust size. Right click and select Format Control to describe properties for your slider.(needs to be updated for Office 2007)
M&M activity on decay : M&M activity on decay Count how many total M&M’s there are in your packet. This is the initial value.
Shake up M&M’s and drop the candies on a piece of paper.
Count how many have “m” on top
Record on paper.
Remove these candies and repeat Steps 2-4 until no more candies are left.
Record results in Excel spreadsheet and model the behavior.
Review Example: Solutions of Equations : Review Example: Solutions of Equations Using pencil and paper, solving an equation involves several steps of algebraic manipulation.
Students study a variety of techniques and may not necessarily realize the significance of a solution of an equation.
In Excel, solutions of equations are found using a feature called Goal Seek.
Summary : Summary A spreadsheet can be used to unify algebraic, tabular and graphical representations of an abstract concept.
Gives valuable insight which may not be gained by just pencil and paper work.
Shows students the power of technology to explore and make conjectures which would otherwise be very difficult or impossible.
Helping students build such insight is invaluable as they move on to other courses and their professions.