MATH 5376
Constructing Rational Number and Operation
Spring 2013
Tuesdays: 5-8 PM, Room 321 PKH
For the course syllabus, click here
and here.
For problems worked or assigned in class, click here.
For the readings packet, click here.
For links to other online readings, see below.
For student interviewing tips, click here.
For the sample interview write-up, click here.
For tips on writing papers on math problems,
click here.
For a math ed web resources page, click here.
Instructor: Dr. Christopher Kribs
Office: 483 Pickard Hall
Phone: (817)272-5513
Fax: (817)272-5802
email: kribs(at)uta.edu
WWW: http://mathed.utasites.cloud/kribs/5376.html
CMKZ Office Hours, Spring 2013: before and after class and by appt.
NOTE: Technical information such as prerequisites, text materials,
course format and assignments, and other details can be found in the syllabus,
a copy of which is provided in a link at the top of this page.
Terminology (by request)
- integers: the whole numbers and their (additive) opposites: 0, +1,
-1, +2, -2, ...
- iterate: to repeat (or make copies of). Iterate 1/3 five times to
make 5/3.
- natural number: the counting numbers, beginning with 1 and going up.
- [fraction as] operator: a set of instructions or action to take,
with regard to another object. A fraction as operator typically implies
partitioning followed by iterating: for example, 2/3 as operator ("2/3 of 5",
"2/3 of the votes cast", etc.) implies first partitioning the object into
three equal parts and then making two copies of (iterating) one of those
parts. This corresponds to multiplication by the fraction; the word "of" (in
"2/3 of") evokes set-model multiplication.
- partition: to split into a given (usually whole) number of equal
parts. This action corresponds to partitive division.
- rational number: any number that can be written as the ratio of two integers (the second one nonzero).
- unitize: to conceptualize or treat a quantity as an iterable unit:
for example, to count in terms of thirds, "two-thirdses", or other composite quantities.
- whole numbers: zero and the natural numbers.
"College-level" problems
Problems appropriate for writing up in the two-problem paper:
- Session 7: Algorithms for dividing fractions --- Write full
justifications in the simplest possible terms for the common-denominator
and invert-and-multiply algorithms.
- Session 8: Place Value in Other Bases --- Respond to the last
question on the worksheet using the earlier questions to support your answer
(in other words, your paper should read as a single, organized narrative,
rather than as a homework assignment with five numbered answers).
- Session 9: Fractions to Decimals --- Give a complete, justified
answer to the question of when a given fraction's decimal representation
will be terminating, and when repeating, including: (1) an explanation of
what causes termination, (2) a general explanation of why
nonterminating decimal representations for fractions must eventually repeat,
and (3) an upper bound on the length of the repeating digit string.
Organize your response around questions 2(b), 3(c) and 3(d) from the
worksheet, and use examples (those provided or your own) to illustrate
(but not prove) your points.
- Session 9: Decimals to Fractions --- Give a complete, justified
general explanation of how to convert terminating or repeating
decimals into common fractions. Your paper should address all possible
cases (see examples on the worksheet).
- Session 10: Fractions and Decimals in Other Bases --- Use the first
two questions to motivate and illustrate an explanation of the last one.
- Session 12: Going to Extremes --- A single cohesive narrative that
addresses the questions in this activity. (Note all the questions are yes/no
but require some explanation.)
- Session 12: Countable and uncountable infinities --- A single
cohesive narrative that addresses the questions in this activity (the
countability, or not, of the whole numbers, integers, rationals, and reals).
If you choose to write this up, you might focus on the process.
- Session 13: Divisibility tests --- Group the common tests into
families (as will have been discussed in class), explain the justification
for each family, and address the last 3 questions on the page.
- Session 13: Odd and Even in Base Five --- a complete, justified
answer to the question.
- Sessions 14, 15: How many factors? --- Explain and justify a general
procedure for determining how many factors a given (arbitrary) natural number has.
- Feel free to argue for including others.
Links to related sites
Links/info for specific class meetings
- Session 1
- Session 2
- Session 3
- Journal 2 (mini-interview) suggested prompts.
For most students, you can use the following problems: (1) 1/2+1/4,
(2) 1/2+1/3, (3) 3/4+2/3. If necessary for student understanding, you may
situate the problems in simple story problem contexts (refer to the CGI
problem type table). For younger students who cannot respond to any of the
problems, ask (after trying) a problem with like denominators.
You may also allow the student to provide concrete or semiconcrete responses
(ask if the answer has a number name, but don't report purely pictorial
responses as ``the student was unable to answer''). Report the student's
response precisely, and analyze the understanding the student shows of
representing and adding fractions. If the student ``just knows'' (for
example, that 1/2+1/4=3/4), probe for justification
(including of the algorithm), especially for older students.
- Session 4
- Session 5
- Session 6
- An article that follows up on MMO Case 28
- Session 8
- Session 12
- learner.org's Number and Operations course, Session 1C on extending the number line
- learner.org's Number and Operations course, Session 2A on number sets
- learner.org's Number and Operations course, Session 2B on infinities
- learner.org's Number and Operations course, Session 3B on exponents, logarithms, and scientific notation
- JCU's vignettes on
infinities
and irrationals
(readings for this session)
- Session 14
This page last modified 07 January 2013.
