Capitalizing on the Dynamic Features of Excel to Consider Growth Rates and Limits

Autor/inn/en	Taylor, Daniel; Moore-Russo, Deborah
Titel	Capitalizing on the Dynamic Features of Excel to Consider Growth Rates and Limits
Quelle	In: MathAMATYC Educator, 3 (2012) 2, S.17-20 (4 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1947-279X
Schlagwörter	Calculus; Graphs; Courseware; Technology Uses in Education; Technology Integration; Teaching Methods; Educational Strategies; Mathematical Models; Mathematics Instruction; Algebra; Investigations; Spreadsheets; Knowledge Representation + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Analysis; Differenzialrechnung; Infinitesimalrechnung; Integralrechnung; Grafische Darstellung; Lernsoftware; Technology enhanced learning; Technology aided learning; Technologieunterstütztes Lernen; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Lehrstrategie; Mathematical model; Mathematisches Modell; Mathematics lessons; Mathematikunterricht; Untersuchung; Spread sheet; Spredsheets; Spreadsheet; Tabellenkalkulation; Wissensrepräsentation
Abstract	It is common for both algebra and calculus instructors to use power functions of various degrees as well as exponential functions to examine and compare rates of growth. This can be done on a chalkboard, with a graphing calculator, or with a spreadsheet. Instructors often are careful to connect the symbolic and graphical (and occasionally the tabular) representations of the functions. However, the graphs that are typically used for this are static. The most recent versions of Microsoft[R] Excel[R] (Excel) allow instructors to illustrate the connections between the symbolic, tabular, and graphical representations of the equations through quick generation of the function graphs. This requires only minimal input including three components: the equation of the function, its starting point, and the incremental changes between independent variable values. By formatting the spreadsheet to depend on these three things, the input values (and the calculated output values) are easily manipulated, allowing for changes in scale. (Contains 11 figures.) (ERIC).
Anmerkungen	American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134. Tel: 901-333-4643; Fax: 901-333-4651; e-mail: amatyc@amatyc.org; Web site: http://www.amatyc.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10