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Re: Brainstorming about STEM (was About Functions)
Posted:
Dec 13, 2011 2:42 PM
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> Dan said:
>
> "You are using the word "function" in at least two
> different ways. It might confuse students. There are
> biological or mechanical functions and computer
> software functions -- all involving actions of some
> kind, be they actions of electrons, molecules, cells
> or larger parts in the physical world -- and there
> are mathematical functions that are abstract
> relationships between two or more sets of objects.
> (And others, I'm sure.)"
>
> That's right - and from there one can go on and muse
> about how and why the math meaning of the word
> "function" has become so abstract and inert.
For most students, a "black-box-input-output" model of functions will suffice. I am, however, focusing more on students tending to proof-based mathematics in their immediate futures. It would be nice if everyone could master these "abstractions" and the basic methods of proof, but few are motivated to do so. I hope my little video and my software will help a bit in this regard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeqNdSmhubQ (YouTube)
http://www.dcproof.com/BarberParadox.ppt (Power Point)
Dan
http://www.dcproof.com
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