Geometry

Research writing prompt

This is a mathematical research paper. You will respond to the prompts given below
in paragraph form using complete, organized sentences, in 3-5 pages. You may use
outside sources, but they must be cited correctly. Any plagiarism will result in a zero.

First rough draft due Friday, April 4. Final copy due Friday, April 11.
First rough draft must have an introduction, answer to seed question, and at least two
other questions/background topics.


Option #1: Midpoints and Beyond
Seed question:
Find the midpoint M of the segment with endpoints A(3, 1) and B(15, 9).
Questions to build on:
The midpoint M divides the segment AB into two congruent segments. What
are the coordinates of the three points that divide the segment AB into four
congruent segments?
What are the coordinates of the three points that divide the segment AB into
three congruent segments?
Find the point on AB that is twice as close to A as it is to B. Are there any such
points not on AB?
Extension questions:
Find the midpoint N of P(1, 4, 10) and Q(-3, 2, 4).
The midpoint M of AB is equidistant to A and B. Find all points in the plane
that are equidistant to A and B.
What is the midpoint of three points in the plane?
Basic background:
Derive the distance and midpoint formulas.
Verify that AM = BM using the midpoint formula.
Verify that AM = BM by constructing two congruent right triangles with AM
and BM as respective hypotenuses.



Option #2: Pythagorean Triples
Seed question:
Find some triples of positive numbers that satisfy the equation

.
Questions to build on:
Find all triples of positive numbers with that satisfy the equation

.
Show that a multiple of a Pythagorean triple is also a Pythagorean triple.
Find all Pythagorean triples whose legs are consecutive integers.
Find all Pythagorean triples whose legs differ by two
Find all Pythagorean triples that consist of a pair of consecutive integers.
Extension questions:
Show that a primitive Pythagorean triple always consists of at least one
multiple of three
Find some primitive Pythagorean quadruples.
Find some integer solutions to the equation

.
Basic background:
Verify a couple of Pythagorean triples.
Prove the Pythagorean theorem.



Option #3: Platonic Solids
Seed question:
What are the 5 platonic solids?
Where does each solid get its name?
Questions to build on:
What is a net of a solid figure?
Give descriptions of each of the solids, including the number of faces, edges,
and vertices and the shapes of the faces.
What properties of a solid is require for it to be considered Platonic?
Extension questions:
Build the five platonic solids with paper.
What are the regular 2-dimensional figures that can be tessellated in the
plane? How are they related to the Platonic solids?
Create a tessellation using all those figures.
Basic background:
With what element of the cosmos did Plato associate each solid?