Saturday, December 8, 2007

POTU - Write Up

About Problems of the Unit:
Problems of the Unit (POTU) are an important part of the algebra curriculum. They will give you experience in carrying out extended investigations of complex problems. They give you a chance to work on your mathematical writing. You will be expected to explain your thinking more fully in these assignments than in regular class activities or homework. Be sure to leave ample time for this writing.

Standard POTU Write-up Categories:
1. Problem Statement – State the problem in your own words. Your problem statement should be clear enough that someone unfamiliar with the problem could understand what it is that you are being asked to do.
2. Process and Solution – Describe what steps you took in attempting to solve the problem. Include steps that didn’t work out or that seemed like a waste of time. Complete this part of the write-up even if you didn’t solve the problem. State your solution as clearly as possible. Explain why you think your solution is correct and complete. (If you obtained only a partial solution, give that. If you were able to obtain more general results, include.)
3. Evaluation – Discuss your personal reaction to this problem. For example, you should comment on these questions.
· Did you consider the problem educationally worthwhile? What did you learn from it?
· How would you change the problem to improve it?
· Did you enjoy working on the problem?
· Was the problem too hard or too easy? Why did you feel this way?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do we have to answer "If the floor is 28 tiles long and 35 tiles wide, over how many tiles does the string cover?" so do we have to draw out 980 squares and just draw a line corner to corner && answer it?

Maryann said...

you can. I recommend graph paper so that you don't have to draw out all the boxes.

Maryann said...
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