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Topic: From physical to abstraction
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Subject:   RE: From physical to abstraction
Author: SteveW
Date: Jun 26 2006
The connection of the physical to the mathematical representations can also be a
distraction or confusing for some students. It is possible to focus on the
mathematical properties of the graphs (steepness, angle, intersection, etc.)
without making the physical connection.

One somewhat related example is the discussion we had here about the concept of
step size and its relation to slope. Another was the question of position vs.
distance and whether one can draw conclusions about where the runners actually
are relative to each other. Does the intersection of the graphs really indicate
that the runners have to meet/pass by each other?

These are all opportunities for good discussion, but depending on the objectives
and the point at which this is being used, it can introduce complications.
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