The Virtual World

As children we have to learn to understand the world around us; over time we get good at understanding what objects are in our environment. In mathematics we learn to improve out understanding of space by using pentominoes to make different configurations. Click the link to the right. It will take you to a virtual set of pentominoes to play with. Arrange them to cover the space provided.

Horsepower

Everyday we hear the word horsepower as it relates to machinery; most people know that it has something to do with how fast a car is able to travel; the question today is to research the idea on the internet and explain it to me in a paragraph on the comments page.

Wealth and Poverty

Mathematics is a tool that we can use to make judgements about the world around us. One of the persistent questions that can be measured with mathematical tools is wealth and poverty. Why are some nations rich and others poor? Over the next few weeks we will explore this question. Today I want you to begin to research which countries have the most money and which have the least; You can use a table, a map, pictures, video or any other resource you can find. Post your research in the comments section. Write one paragraph that answers this question: why is the United States considered a rich country? show the mathematical evidence that supports your claim.

Math and Technology

One of the big questions in math education today is: how should we use technology in the classroom? Today I want to explore that question with you. The link to the right is an equation solver; it will show you all the steps and the solution to any equation. Your challenge today is to pick any five equations from the list and use the solver to find an answer. Copy the complete answers to a word document and email them to me. On the comment line answer the following question: Do you think it is better to use paper and pencil to solve an equation or use technology. Explain your position.

Walmart and the truth in advertising.

A recent tv add from Walmart show a woman with a bag of groceries; the woman says:"if you spend $100 dollars per week on a bag of groceries like this then you could save $700 per year at Walmart on the same groceries. She then asks what would you do with the $700? The assignment today is to answer the following questions:


1. What would you do with the $700?


2. Why does the woman first say $100 dollars a week and then shift to $700 per year?


3. Use the calculator on the computer to find out how much of a savings $700 is per week.


4. What percent savings would this be?


5. Do you think this add is misleading in anyway?


6. Would you go to Walmart based on this add?


Leave a comment with your answers; be sure to number each answer.

The World of M.C. Escher

M. C. Escher was one of the greatest graphic artists of all time. He was famous for drawings that trick the eye into seeing something that isn't really there. People describe his work as very mathematical. Today's challenge is to click on the link to the right and go to Escher's web site. Once there find the gallery of his most famous work. Pick one that you like the most. Post a comment that is at least one paragraph long that describes the work and why you think it is beautiful.

Game Theory

In our introduction to Probability we played two different games with cards. The branch of mathematics called Probability grew out of the desire of a few men to try and understand the ideas that explain the game they were playing at the time. Today we are going to try and understand the ideas behind several different types of games. Click on the link to the right and start to play. There is a question after you play each game.