ERIC Number: EJ1080438
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1744-2710
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Students' Comparison of Their Trigonometric Answers with the Answers of a Computer Algebra System in Terms of Equivalence and Correctness
Tonisson, Eno; Lepp, Marina
International Journal for Technology in Mathematics Education, v22 n3 p115-121 Jul-Sep 2015
The answers offered by computer algebra systems (CAS) can sometimes differ from those expected by the students or teachers. The comparison of the students' answers and CAS answers could provide ground for discussion about equivalence and correctness. Investigating the students' comparison of the answers gives the possibility to study different questions: Are students able to ascertain equivalence/non-equivalence? How do they understand correctness of the answers? Are there any differences in this regard between different types of equations and answers? The paper is based on the lessons from a course in elementary mathematics for first-year university students. The students were paired up and given worksheets with trigonometric equations and questions. Initially, the students solved an equation (correctly or not) without a CAS and then with a particular CAS-WolframAlpha. They were given questions, guiding them to analyse the differences, equivalence and correctness of their own answers and CAS answers.
Descriptors: Equations (Mathematics), Trigonometry, Mathematics Instruction, Algebra, Computer Uses in Education, Problem Solving, Worksheets, Mathematical Concepts, Student Attitudes, Concept Formation, Educational Technology, Comparative Analysis, Foreign Countries, College Freshmen
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
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Language: English
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Identifiers - Location: Estonia
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