Math 211 Online Assignments
Maria G. Fung
Fall Term 2007

 

Click on number to quickly go to the chapter online assignment
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Chapter 1 Online

Bennett / 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 Bennett, Kruczek & Nelson 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.

Assignment

1. 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 Math Activity 1.1 (page 2, Conceptual Approach) for problem solving ideas.

2. Briefly comment on the applet. Was it easy or hard to use? How did using the applet compare to using the paper discs in class? Do you have any suggestions for making the applet better?

You may type or neatly hand write this assignment. Typing with hand drawn pictures will also be acceptable.

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Your name
Math 211: Fung
Chapter 1 Online
Due 10/1


Chapter 2 Online

Bennett / Nelson Hunting for Hidden Polygons Applet

Go to the Bennett, Kruczek & Nelson 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.

Assignment

1. 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.

2. Briefly comment on the applet. Was it easy or hard to use? Do you have any suggestions for making the applet better?

You may type or neatly hand write this assignment (question 2).

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Your name
Math 211: Fung
Chapter 2 Online
Due 10/15


Chapter 3 Online

Bennett / Nelson Deciphering Ancient Numeration Systems Applet

Go to the Bennett, Kruczek & Nelson Student Center Page of Interactive Math Applets by clicking here.

Select the Chapter 3 applet--Deciphering Ancient Numeration Systems.

Assignment

For TWO of the three Numeration Systems (you choose)
1. Attic Greek
2. Ancient Chinese
3. Traditional Chinese

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?
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). Part c for Mayan might be:

Number of digits Base 10 number Mayan Number
Two digits 24 *
****
Four digits 1098
I'm using 000 for the eye shape, * for a dot and --- for a horizontal line
***
***
000
----
----
Six digits 203,451 *
***
----
----
**
*
----
----

d. Show the details of how the computer applet "did the math."

HEADER:
Your name
Math 211: Fung
Chapter 3 Online
Due 10/31


Chapter 4 Online

Bennett / Nelson Amazing Star Polygons Applet

Go to the Bennett, Burton& Nelson Student Center Page of Interactive Math Applets by clicking here.

Select the Chapter 3 applet--Star Polygons. Once you have launched the applet, play around with it a bit to see how it works.

Chapter 4 Online

Default Settings should be:

Number of points: 3
Size of steps: 1
Direction: Clockwise

Click on "Draw Star" to get going.

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.

HEADER:
Your name
Math 211: Fung
Chapter 4 Online
Due 11/26