ERIC Number: EJ828707
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Feb
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0025-5769
EISSN: N/A
Playing with Dominoes: Proof by Induction
Kaplan, Gail
Mathematics Teacher, v102 n6 p426-431 Feb 2009
This article describes a hands-on approach to learning proofs by induction. Students create patterns of dominos so that when the first domino is pushed, the entire design collapses, one domino at a time. Students then build designs that do not work. By constructing a list of conditions that ensure a given pattern will collapse, students discover the basis for proofs by induction. A discovery worksheet leads students through mathematical examples. (Contains 4 figures.)
Descriptors: Logical Thinking, Mathematical Logic, Manipulative Materials, Validity, Worksheets, Mathematics Instruction, Calculus, High School Students, Secondary School Mathematics
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1502. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-3702; Fax: 703-476-2970; e-mail: orders@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A