Assignment #1 Write up + Reflection

 

For this assignment, my group (JJ, Nanxi and myself) presented the problem 1.2.4 that deals with a 3x4 rectangle and its diagonal. We presented the modern solution, the ancient Egyptian solution and extended it to the Binomial Theorem.

For the modern solution, we decided to solve the problem using Pythagorean theorem as today it is arguably the easiest way to solve a problem like this.  I showed ancient Egyptian solution on the slide as a translation of the original text and was explained using modern algebra. I offered a few limitations of the Ancient Egyptian 'formula' as well. Nanxi also offered a beautiful geometric solution what combined 4 of the congruent rectangles to the original one and using a bit of algebra and the area of a rectangle, we were able to arrive at the correct length of the diagonal. Then JJ extended this to apply to the Binomial theorem and explained some benefits of visualizing binomial expansions geometrically.

Here are the slides that we used.

My Reflection:

I thought I did well overall. A couple of areas to improve would be use my media smartly. I found myself turning my back to the audience in order to look at the slides and point things out. I should perhaps find a way to set up my computer in a way that its easier for me to look at the slides while giving attention to the audience as well. Moreover, due to momentary nervousness, I wrote a wrong math statement on the whiteboard but I think I was able to correct it and managed to not confuse the audience. This goes with my EDCP 342A reflection as well that I believe for my initial lessons that I deliver in the classroom(just until I build enough confidence) I would like to explore writing a script for myself so that I have something to fall back on in moments of nervousness.