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Making images and noticing properties: The role of graphing software in mathematical generalisation

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Abstract

This paper discusses the growth of mathematical understanding of two students, Graham and Don, as they use a computer graphing program to explore the properties of quadratic equations. Through analysing extracts of video data using the Pirie-Kieren theory, we discuss the ways in which the mathematical understanding of the students grows and how their interactions occasion, facilitate, and restrict this. We consider four ‘clips’ of their mathematical working, highlighting different aspects of their developing understanding, and use of the graphing software. Although we are talking about a computer based graphing package, our conclusions are equally relevant to the use of graphing calculators.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Curriculum Studies, University of British Columbia, 2125 Main Mall, V6T 1Z4, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Lyndon Martin & Susan Pirie

Authors
  1. Lyndon Martin
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  2. Susan Pirie
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Martin, L., Pirie, S. Making images and noticing properties: The role of graphing software in mathematical generalisation. Math Ed Res J 15, 171–186 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03217377

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03217377

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