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Mathematics Teachers’ Association of the Northern Territory. Maths over Sunday Brunch Sunday 1st August 2010 O’Loughlin Catholic College. Exploring some mathematical ideas Matt Skoss & Jeanette Venhoek matt@skoss.org & jvenhoek@gmail.com. Mathematicians ask two ‘big questions’.
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Mathematics Teachers’ Association of the Northern Territory Maths over Sunday BrunchSunday 1st August 2010O’Loughlin Catholic College • Exploring some mathematical ideas • Matt Skoss & Jeanette Venhoek • matt@skoss.org & jvenhoek@gmail.com
Mathematicians ask two ‘big questions’... • How many ways are there of ... • How do I know I’ve found them all?
Consider 1, 2, 3 & 4 cubes... • How many distinct arrangements are there? • Can you make all arrangements with Multi-Link cubes?
Can we sort our arrangements? • Convex shapes • Non-convex shapes Convex shape: A line can be drawn between any two points and not go outside the shape. Non-convex shape: A line can be drawn so that it does go outside the shape.
Hmmm...How many cubes in all the non-convex shapes made with 1, 2, 3 or 4 cubes? Six are made with 4 cubes and one is made with 3 cubes. Is that significant?
Hmmm...How many cubes in all the non-convex shapes made with 1, 2, 3 or 4 cubes?
Hmmm...How many cubes in all the non-convex shapes made with 1, 2, 3 or 4 cubes? Six are made with 4 cubes and one is made with 3 cubes. Is that significant? Piet Hein (a Danish mathematician) thought so in 1936 and invented the ...
Using an IWB...or bluetooth mouse/keyboard/slate/iPod Touch • NLVM’s Space Blocks: http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_195_g_3_t_3.html?open=activities&from=category_g_3_t_3.html • Virtual isometric drawing: http://www.teacherled.com/resources/isodraw/isoshapeload.html and http://www.teacherled.com/resources/isodotty/isodottyload.html • RekenWeb’s Cube Builder: http://www.fi.uu.nl/toepassingen/00338/toepassing_rekenweb.xml?style=rekenweb&language=en&use=game
Other tasks to extend the Soma Cube... • Try to do it blindfolded • Do it within a certain time...A minute to win it! • Make other shapes • Using isometric paper or interactive web applets to draw the Soma Cube pieces