What comes first the graph or the equation

Khushboo · 2007-10-23 01:45:59

I am trying to use coordinate system to explain the 1st degree equation. Now i want to find out if patterns can be used to formulate equations or it should be the other way round. Any idea or suggestion, please discuss

Regards

Khushboo

Last edited by Khushboo (2007-10-23 01:46:33)

bossk171 · 2007-10-23 02:31:48

This is an excellent question, and is something that I think needs a lot of discussion. Personally I think of a function like a person, and a graph is sort of like a personality trait of the function, it tells you certain things about it, but not everything. Another personality trait might be whether it's odd or even, what its derivative or integral is, what its domain and range are, etc...

A function is an abstract concept, we can't see or feel it so we use these "personality traits" to better understand what we're working with.

Out of curiosity, are you asking this for a pure mathematics cause (math for the sake of math) or an applied mathematics cause (math to be used somewhere else)?

Khushboo · 2007-10-23 16:50:04

I need to introduce first degree equation to students in grade 4. I want to start with simple patterns through which they can formulate equation. Say for instance if i use candies and cost for each candies. Can i derive a pattern

If 2candies are costing a kid Rs4.Then 1 candy will cost him Rs 2.

No. of Candies(x) 2 4 6 8 10
Price(y) 4 8 12 16 20

The equation would be y=2x

So i will make them chart this pattern on the graph and ask them can you find a relation also can you find the price for 25 candies.

Once they have understood the pattern then i can give them a real life situation in simulation form and give them equations and ask them to find the line of best fit.

I need more of these instances. Once they are thorough with the 1 degree equation, i can then take them to 2 degree and higher level patterns.

regards

Last edited by Khushboo (2007-10-23 16:51:08)

bossk171 · 2007-10-23 17:20:49

It's hard to come up with something at a 4th grade level. I'd say try to introduce them to the ideas using graphs. Because functions are abstract concepts, it might be harder for younger kids to get their head around.

Unless of course they're exceptionally smart kids. I myself was in an accelerated math class and I didn't deal with these concepts until 7th grade.

Khushboo · 2007-10-23 21:35:45

However what i am trying to do is start with single variable say x and then give them some practice with single variable. Introduce them to 2 variable and use the above example of candies and price....let me see wht happens...

regards

khushboo

Last edited by Khushboo (2007-10-23 21:36:14)

Jai Ganesh · 2007-10-23 23:41:21

Hi Khushboo,
Welcome to the Forum!
To me, the equation comes first, then the graph.
First, I'd try to form an equation, then plot the graph.
Knowing the equation makes plotting graphs easy.

bossk171 · 2007-10-24 06:10:35

Do they have a firm understanding of the Cartesian Plane? And a firm understanding of Algebraic manipulation? If so, I guess either the graph or the equation is a good place to start....

Khushboo · 2007-10-25 20:42:06

Allrite let me try out the above ideas

Math Is Fun Forum

#1 2007-10-23 01:45:59

What comes first the graph or the equation

#2 2007-10-23 02:31:48

Re: What comes first the graph or the equation

#3 2007-10-23 16:50:04

Re: What comes first the graph or the equation

#4 2007-10-23 17:20:49

Re: What comes first the graph or the equation

#5 2007-10-23 21:35:45

Re: What comes first the graph or the equation

#6 2007-10-23 23:41:21

Re: What comes first the graph or the equation

#7 2007-10-24 06:10:35

Re: What comes first the graph or the equation

#8 2007-10-25 20:42:06

Re: What comes first the graph or the equation

Board footer