Unpacking the Ambiguous Case to Develop Conceptual Knowledge and Representational Competence

Document Type

Article

Journal Title

Ohio Journal of School Mathematics

Publication Date

2023

Abstract

The ambiguous case is a trigonometry topic for which high school students are often told “stay away from angle-side-side.” In many cases, however, these students do not get the opportunity to explore the underlying mathematical context that serves as the basis of this warning. After a briefly presenting an overview of the ambiguous case, the author describes a mathematical activity using simple homemade manipulatives to support secondary and post-secondary students’ work to unpack and understand the ambiguous case. It then discusses how this activity can support teachers’ understanding of representational competence and recommends general practices supporting students' purposeful and effective use of mathematical representations.

Comments

The Ohio Journal of School Mathematics is the journal of the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics. It is intended to be a medium for teachers from elementary to college level to present their ideas and beliefs about the teaching and learning of mathematics. Mathematics educators at all levels are encouraged to submit manuscripts for upcoming issues of the Journal.

Publisher Statement

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.

Copyright (c) 2023 Kyle Schultz.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS