Math Arguments
Problems, Questions, and Puzzles to spark discussion and argument in the maths classroom.
Linear or Quadratic?
Here is an expression: \(x² + 6x = x² - 8x + 4\)
Would you describe it as "quadratic" or "linear"?
If the \(x^2\) terms cancel out, does that change your thought?
Is this wolframalpha plot helpful?
Is this desmos response helpful?
What other mathematical aspects of this caught your attention? What do you wonder about the situation?
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Source:
David Wees
Would you consider x² + 6x = x² - 8x + 4 "quadratic" or, because the x² terms can be subtracted from both sides, linear? #mathchat
— David Wees (@davidwees)
More Information:
Noticing and wondering is a tool to help students:
- Understand the story, the quantities, and the relationships in the problem.
- Understand what the problem is asking and what the answer will look like. Have some ideas to begin to solve the problem.
More Here at NCTM
Noticing and wondering is a tool to help students:
- Understand the story, the quantities, and the relationships in the problem.
- Understand what the problem is asking and what the answer will look like. Have some ideas to begin to solve the problem.
More Here at NCTM
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