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ERIC Number: EJ1311018
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1051-1970
EISSN: N/A
Using a Superfactorial Problem to Provide Extended Problem-Solving Experiences
White, D.; Anderson, M.
PRIMUS, v31 n10 p1038-1051 2021
The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of a problem involving superfactorials (a specific product of factorials) that provides an in-depth and comprehensive mathematical experience, encompassing skills that mathematicians view as tantamount to exploration. The problem is easily accessible and fosters creativity and perseverance, thereby allowing participants to practice standard steps in developing a mathematical argument: from the problem, to simplifications, then conjecture, and finally proof. We present a brief solution to this problem and then discuss how the experience in trying to solve this problem may evolve during a professional development session for teachers. By providing teachers with extended time to investigate a single problem, we aim to provide professional development opportunities beyond the standard mathematical content or instructional practices. This problem also makes a welcome addition to any undergraduate mathematics curriculum and could be used in a mathematics for liberal arts course, capstone course, or any course with a focus on developing problem-solving skills and the process of doing mathematics.
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A