Tag Archives: algebra

The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Posted on 23 January 2013 by Xander

An Analogy When cooking, we need three things: a collection of ingredients (say butter, sugar, flour, &c.), a description of a technique for combining them (a recipe), and some tools for actually getting the work done (bowls and knives, as … Continue reading →

Posted in Mathematics | Tagged , | Comments Off on The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Division by Zero?

Posted on 22 July 2011 by Xander

I am currently teaching a summer term algebra class. Over the course of five weeks, we manage to get through an entire semester’s worth of material. The pace is pretty grueling, and I wonder at my students’ capacity to keep … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Division by Zero?

A Quiz Question

Posted on 2 February 2011 by Xander

I am always fascinated to see how students manage to incorrectly answer exam and quiz questions. Not only does this provide a great insight into my own deficiencies as an instructor, but it also gives me some idea about how … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | Tagged , | Comments Off on A Quiz Question