A comparison of equality in computer algebra and correctness in mathematical pedagogy

Russell Bradford, James H Davenport, C J Sangwin

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingChapter in a published conference proceeding

6 Citations (SciVal)
180 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

How do we recognize when an answer is “right”? This is a question that has bedevilled the use of computer systems in mathematics (as opposed to arithmetic) ever since their introduction. A computer system can certainly say that some answers are definitely wrong, in the sense that they are provably not an answer to the question posed. However, an answer can be mathematically right without being pedagogically right. Here we explore the differences and show that, despite the apparent distinction, it is possible to make many of the differences amenable to formal treatment, by asking “under which congruence is the pupil’s answer equal to the teacher’s?”.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIntelligent Computer Mathematics: 16th Symposium, Calculemus 2009, 8th International Conference, MKM 2009 Held as Part of CICM 2009, Grand Bend, Canada, July 6-12, 2009. Proceedings
EditorsJ Carette, L Dixon, C Sacerdoti Coen, S M Watt
Place of PublicationBerlin
PublisherSpringer
Pages75-89
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9783642026140
ISBN (Print)9783642026133
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Event8th International Conference on Mathematical Knowledge Management (MKM 2009) - Grand Bend, Ontario, Canada
Duration: 10 Jul 200912 Jul 2009

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science
PublisherSpringer
Number2
Volume5625
ISSN (Print)0302-9743

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Mathematical Knowledge Management (MKM 2009)
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityGrand Bend, Ontario
Period10/07/0912/07/09

Bibliographical note

Proceedings of the 16th Symposium, Calculemus 2009, 8th International Conference, MKM 2009, Held as Part of CICM 2009, Grand Bend, Canada, July 6-12, 2009
ID number: 5625/2009

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