Park City Mathematics Institute
Geometrical Concepts from Constructions, Models, and Investigations

Factoring Patterns in the Gaussian Plane
Steve Phelps

Go to: final_factoring_integers_gaussian.pdf

WHAT IS IT?
This article discusses discoveries by the author while studying aspects of geometry, the Gaussian plane, and later applications to operations on Gaussian integers.

GRADE LEVEL
11 - 12

STRAND
Geometry

OBJECTIVE
To introduce teachers to ideas of factorization involving Gaussian integers and their ties to geometry.

PREREQUISITES

Geometry
  • Apollonian circles
  • Inversion
  • Complex numbers

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0314808.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.