Session 6 March 26, 2008
Dr. Bill McCallum presented Great Issues of Our Time: The Quadratic Formula.
The Quadratic Formula is one of the most famous formulas in algebra. Dr. McCallum related historical perspectives of this well-known formula and invited participants to explore geometric representations of it.
Some of the High School AIMS Standards addressed include:
1.1.1 Classify real numbers as members of one or more subsets: natural, whole, integers, rational, or irrational numbers.
1.2.3 Simplify numerical expressions including signed numbers.
1.3.3 Determine rational approximations of irrational numbers.
3.3.1 Evaluate algebraic expressions, including square roots.
3.3.17 Solve quadratic equations.
5.1.5 Determine the purpose of a mathematical algorithm.
5.1.6 Determine whether given simple mathematical algorithms are equivalent.
5.2.4 Analyze assertions related to a contextual situation by using principles of logic.
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| Dr Bill McCallum intoduces his topic. |
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| Donna Rishor presented an algebraic solution. |
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| Participants pondered a geometric representation of (a+b) squared. |
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| Carolyn Hollis demonstrated her representation of (a-b) squared. |
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| Participants worked with each other to make sense of unusual representations. |
