Math 212: Elementary Math II - Spring 2007

Instructor: Jodi Fasteen

TB = Textbook

WB = Workbook (spiral bound)

Homework Assignment Due Date
Week 1 TB: 8.1: 1-6, 10, 12, 14, 15, 34-36, 38 (For the last 4, describe the experiment/ simulation briefly and summarize the data from the simulation)

Dice Worksheet: The other side of the pig worksheet. The experimental column is optional, but be sure to do either the experimental or theoretical column (or both). (This worksheet does not need to be handed in)

WB: 8.1: 2,3, and Follow-up question: Create an alternate version of the penny game with a different grid. Use different shapes (circles, triangles, etc). Explain what the probability of winning would be, and how to find that probability using area. Include a carefully drawn grid, like the ones in the WB.

Bonus: There was an extra code handed out in class on Wednesday. For HW bonus points, break the code. Please turn this in separately from the other homework, as it will be scored separately. To get full points, explain what's interesting about the poem you translated.

Monday, Apr 9th
Week 2 TB: 8.1 : 16-21

TB: 2.1 (p73) 15-16, 19-22, 31-34, 41-42

--- Note: Our book is using A' for "not A" , to denote the complement of A.

If you have questions on the homework, please ask me. If no one asks before the next class, I will assume no one has questions, and will not set aside much time for answering them. If many people have questions, then I'll be sure to set aside class time. You can ask questions in office hours, just before class, or via email any time. I am usually available online over the weekend.

Worksheet from Wednesday in class will be continued on Monday, in class.

Monday, Apr 16th
Week 3 Worksheet from Monday -- Turn in your answer for the third problem as part of this homework set. Graph your information so that there is a visual representation of the population of people over time. You may want to use graph paper.

Homework 3 Worksheet

Also do 8.1 : 40, 41, 46, 47

Writing And Discussion: 8.1 (p536) : 1, 2, 4 (Please type these and turn them in separately from the other homework)

There was a request for practice problems like the cancer one. Scroll down and I will add them at the bottom. These are not due, but you may want to attempt them before the midterm.

Monday, Apr 23rd
Week 4 We are starting geometry constructions. For the following, create a set of careful and clear rules for creating the following figures using only a straightedge and compass. Emphasize how you know that you've created the picture that you wanted, with the appropriate angles, etc. (Make sure you actually draw each shape next to its instructions.)

No "eyeballing" or guestimating. It may be helpful to name intersection points with letters for your instructions.

Shapes:

  1. Perpendicular lines
  2. A line segment and line segments half as long and twice as long.
  3. Equilateral Triangle
  4. Square
  5. A bisected angle
  6. Circumscribe and inscribe a square (Draw the smallest possible circle surrounding a square, and the largest possible circle contained in a square)
  7. Two parallel lines. (Start with a line and a random point K off the line. Show how to make a line parallel to the first line, through K).

(Midterm next week)

Due Date Changed to Wed, May 2nd
Week 5 First Midterm: Monday April 30th

Short Homework:

(1) Build triangles using a ruler and compass, one with each of the measurements below. Include brief explanations for how to build the triangles. If something bad happens with the triangles, explain why.

  1. Sides of length 4 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm
  2. Sides of length 7 cm, 10 cm, 7 cm
  3. Sides of length 5 cm, 4 cm, 10 cm
  4. Sides of 5 cm and 6 cm, with an angle of 60 degrees between. (Include brief instructions on how you built the 60 degree angle with your compass and ruler)
  5. Build two different triangles with sides of 6 cm and 4 cm and an angle of 30 degrees not between the sides of lenght 6 cm and 4cm. (Include brief instructions on how you built the 30 degree angle with your compass and ruler) Measure the length of the third side for each.

(2) Type a study guide (1 or 2 pages) about the SSS, SAS, AAA, ASA, and SSA properties. Indicate which ones exist and what the property says, and why the other ones don't exist. You will probably want to hand draw pictures in once you've printed your work. Include an example or two for each type, as well as a general description of the situation.

Monday, May 7th
Week 6 TB 9.1: 4, 10, 11 (and explain what a chord and tangent line are), 12, 14-20, 24-26, Writing and Discussion #2

Wkst on Polygons and Angles -- Pictures of triangles and quadrilaterals are missing from the version handed out in class. You should create the pictures and measure the angles. Try to create a variety of triangles and quadrilaterals (not just "regular" ones).

Article from Mathematics Teacher on "Teaching Sums of Angle Measures: A Kinesthetic Approach". (Turn this portion in separately:) This is due at the start of class. If you need a copy of the article, I will put some next to my office door. You should come in early on Monday and finish this part of the assignment before class. There are computer labs on the 4th floor of Neuberger Hall.

  • Read the article completely.
  • Write down two questions you have about the article (or two things you found confusing or interesting).
  • Type Brief Answers to the following:
    1. What is the goal of Activity 1? Do you think this would work for students? Why or why not?
    2. What is the mathematical goal of Activity 2? Do you think this is an appropriate project to find that goal?
    3. How can you expand the ideas from the article to explore more polygons? Write several questions you could ask your students.
    4. Activity 4 asks about a 5 pointed star. This is not a polygon. Why do you suppose this question is in this lab? (What is the mathematical/pedigogical goal?)
Monday, May 14th
There has been a misunderstanding about late homework in Math 212. The only way in which late homework is accepted is if you have expressed permission from me in advance, for a planned absence. Attendence has dropped dramatically this term. Although I understand that life is demanding and that it's sunny outside, attendence is required and late work is not acceptable. From this point on, you may not turn in work later that the due date without a printed copy of an email from me giving you permission.
Week 7 WB 9.1 : 2-8 (Geoboards)

TB 9.2: 4-7, 10, 12, 28-30 ( omit 22a,b, 23 for now)

Geometry Writing Assignment - Complete one of the following. This part of the assignment should be typed and turned in separately from the TB/WB part of the assignment.

Option 1: Find an article on geometry that applies to teaching. Write a 1/2 page summary and a 1/2 page opinion on how you could use the ideas of your article in your classroom. Single spaced. The article should be 3 to 6 pages and you should attach a copy of the article to your summary. (If you cannot find an article at least 3 pages long, pick 2 shorter articles.)

Option 2: Create a treasure hunt for your students using angles and measured distances. Create a student handout and an answer key in the form of a very accurate scale map with their intended path. The hunt should have at least 8 steps. (Do not use multiples of 90 degress more than twice or multiples of 45 degrees more than twice, or any single angle measure more than twice.) Instructions should be typed, but the answer key should be drawn by hand (using a protractor).

Monday, May 21st
Week 8 Please staple your homework in the order indicated.

WB 9.2: 1, 2, 3, 4 (You may answer a-c without the drawing part, if you prefer), 5

TB 9.4: (p634) 5, 6, 11, 13-18, 24, 25, 37

TB 9.4 Writing and Discussion #1 - A student concludes that if a figure has two lines of symmetry, it also has (non trivial) rotational symmetry. How would you respond to this observation?

WB 9.3: #3 a, b, c

TB 9.3: (p615) 2, 4, 6b, 7b, 8, 10, 23, 24, 26, 30, 37 (for 37, add part c: sketch all 12 noncongruent pentaminoes)

Monday, May 28th is Memorial Day (No School)

Homework Due Wed, May 30th

Week 9Geoboard Area Worksheet -- extras outside my office door. This must be completed by Monday of Week 10.

HW:

Geoboard Area Worksheet

TB 10.2: 6, 8, 15, 16, 19, 21

TB 10.3: 7a, 8a, 9b, 10, 11

Monday, June 4th

Due Date extended to Wed, June 6th
Bonus Bonus (HW): Read me: Unlearning to Teach Mathematics. Then answer the following. Type your responses. I image this will be a few pages.
  • How did your prior experience with math affect your classroom experience in the 211-212 sequence? How does this compare with the subjects in the article?
  • What do you anticipate your first experience teaching math to children will be like? Discuss how you think you'll feel, and also how you plan to prepare and what resources you anticpate having available. How will you structure your class?
  • Which of the beliefs on page 4 do you share? Have you changed your mind about any of these beliefs on account of your experiences in 211-212?
  • Write a one page response to the article. (Do you agree with its ideas, do you have different ideas, do you have questions, what do you think?)
Due at the final
Final Monday, June 11th, 12:30 to 2:20

Sample Problems: This type of problem is called a "Bayes Theorem" problem, if you wish too look it up elsewhere. Its a special kind of problem because you are given P(A given B) and P(A given not B), but you really want P(B given A).
  1. Bob wants to find the reliability of a fire alarm. The alarm claims to be 98% reliable in the event of a fire and 95% reliable when there is no fire. If fire only occurs 2.5% of the time, what is the chance that an alarm really means fire?

    If Bob's a bad cook and fires occur 8% of the time, what is the chance that an alarm really means fire?

  2. In rains one in 3 days in Springfield. On days that it rains, Lisa has a 60% chance of remembering my umbrella. On days when it doesn't rain, Lisa has a 25% chance of bring my umbrella. If Lisa has an umbrella, what's the chance its raining?