Developmental Process of Quadratic Equations from Past to Present and Reflections On Teaching-Learning

Year 2016, Volume: 13 Issue: 3, 149 - 163, 29.12.2016

Pınar Güner , Tuğba Uygun

Abstract

The
mathematical concept of quadratic equations is one of the important topics in
algebra and has deep developmental process. It is also an inseparable component
of history of mathematics and mathematics curriculum. In this study, it was
aimed to present historical development of quadratic equations through periodic
examples with reference to using history of mathematics that may
help students to pay attention to the subject and improve meaningful
understanding. Besides, the purpose of the current study was to examine the
reflections of the developmental process on education and to produce
implications for quadratic equations training. Data were presented in time
sequence. The analysis showed that making sense of quadratic equations was
difficult in terms of the students and they had various misconceptions.
Therefore, this topic should be focused on it and some implications such as
using historical examples and explaining developmental process may facilitate
learning and teaching quadratic equations. 

Keywords

quadratic equations, algebra, history of mathematics

DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS OF QUADRATIC EQUATIONS FROM PAST TO PRESENT AND REFLECTIONS ON TEACHING-LEARNING

Abstract

The
mathematical concept of quadratic equations is one of the important topics in
algebra and has deep developmental process. It is also an inseparable component
of history of mathematics and mathematics curriculum. In this study, it was
aimed to present historical development of quadratic equations through periodic
examples with reference to using history of mathematics that may
help students to pay attention to the subject and improve meaningful
understanding. Besides, the purpose of the current study was to examine the
reflections of the developmental process on education and to produce
implications for quadratic equations training. Data were presented in time
sequence. The analysis showed that making sense of quadratic equations was
difficult in terms of the students and they had various misconceptions.
Therefore, this topic should be focused on it and some implications such as
using historical examples and explaining developmental process may facilitate
learning and teaching quadratic equations. 

Keywords

quadratic equations, algebra, history of mathematics

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