Mayan Number
24
Math 211 Applet Assignment Page
Bennett / Burton / Nelson Tower of Brahma Applet
According to legend, the temple priests are to transfer a tower consisting of 64 fragile disks of gold from one part of the temple to another, one disk at a time. The disks are arranged in order, no two of them the same size, with the largest on the bottom and the smallest on top. Because of their fragility, a larger disk may never be placed on a smaller one, and there is only one intermediate location where disks can be temporarily placed. It is said that before the priests complete their task the temple will crumble into dust and the world will vanish in a clap of thunder.
Go to the BBN Student Center Page of Interactive Math Applets by clicking here.
Select the Chapter 1 applet--Tower Puzzles. Once you have launched the applet, play around with it a bit to see how it works.
Chapter 1 Applet Assignment
If it takes 1 second to move a disc, how many years will it take to move 64 discs? Explain your answer and explain generally how you can go about counting the number of moves. Answers without a solution path won't be useful. Refer to Section 1.1 (Conceptual Approach) for problem solving strategies.
You may type or neatly hand write this assignment. Typing with hand drawn pictures will also be acceptable.
Bennett / Burton / Nelson Hunting for Hidden Polygons Applet
Go to the BBN Student Center Page of Interactive Math Applets by clicking here.
Select the Chapter 2 applet--Hunting for Hidden Polygons. Once you have launched the applet, play around with it a bit to see how it works.
Chapter 2 Applet Assignment
Play around with the applet until you have found four different hidden polygons. In each case, print the page when you have found a polygon. Turn in the four printed pages, no writing is required for this part.
You may type or neatly hand write this assignment (question 2).
Bennett / Burton / Nelson Deciphering Ancient Numeration Systems Applet
Go to the BBN Student Center Page of Interactive Math Applets by clicking here.
Select the Chapter 3 applet--Deciphering Ancient Numeration Systems.
Chapter 3 Applet Assignment
| For TWO of the three Numeration Systems (you choose) | ||||
| 1. Attic Greek | 2. Ancient Chinese | 3. Traditional Chinese | ||
| For each system: | ||||
| a. | Play around with the applet until you understand the numeration system. | |||
| b. | Write up a complete and detailed analysis of the numeration system. Topics to include: Is there a zero? What base is the system in? Is this a positional numeration system? What numerals are used in this system? |
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| c. | Give three examples of the numeration system using one 2 digit, one 4 digit and one 6 digit base 10 number (make up your own numbers, each number must have all distinct digits, i.e. no 1111 or 1000,000). |
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Part c for Mayan might be:
| Number of digits | Base 10 number |
Mayan Number
|
| Two digits |
24 |
|
| Four digits | 1098 |
|
| Six digits | 203,451 |
|
d. Show the details of how the computer applet "did the math."
Part d for the four digit Mayan number above should just be:
1098 = 3(360) + 0(20) + 18(1)
Bennett / Burton / Nelson Amazing Star Polygons Applet
Go to the BBN Student Center Page of Interactive Math Applets by clicking here.
Select the Chapter 4 applet--Star Polygons. Once you have launched the applet, play around with it a bit to see how it works.
Chapter 4 Applet Assignment
Default Settings should be:
Number of points: 3
Size of steps: 1
Direction: Clockwise
Click on "Draw Star" to get going and then look at lots of examples.
At the end of the left column is a drop down menu with a series of questions. ANSWER question #1 - #6. Give DETAILED explanations. You should support your answers with handdrawn sketches or printed pages from the applet. Answers only will receive no credit.