Fighting Math Fatigue

with Excel

Reva Narasimhan
Kean University, NJ
rnarasim@kean.edu
 Why spreadsheets?

 Spreadsheet software is widely available and

easy to learn.
 Algebraic concepts are often too abstract for
many students.
 These concepts take on more meaning when
they can be explored in a concrete fashion.

Copyright (c) 2009 Reva Narasimhan

Designing Materials

 Demos

Short interactive pieces to get across a

single concept. Allows users to put to
see pencil and paper work “come to life”

Copyright (c) 2009 Reva Narasimhan

Review Example: Slope of
Line
 Students tie together the
geometric, algebraic and numerical represen
of the slope of a line.
 The numeric representation is through a
table, with the algebraic representation
given by the underlying formulas used in
creating the input/output table. The
geometric representation is given by the
resulting graph of the line.
Copyright (c) 2009 Reva Narasimhan
More Demos

 Parabolas: shows the effect of the

values of a,b, and c on the shape of the
parabola

 Composite functions: shows the

meaning of domain of composite
functions

Copyright (c) 2009 Reva Narasimhan

Excel Tip: Sliders

 Adding sliders is straightforward – Go to

View > Toolbars > Forms

 Single click on the slider icon. Position

on worksheet. Adjust size. Right click
and select Format Control to describe
properties for your slider.

Copyright (c) 2009 Reva Narasimhan

 M&M activity on decay
1. Count how many total M&M’s there are in your
packet. This is the initial value.
2. Shake up M&M’s and drop the candies on a
piece of paper.
3. Count how many have “m” on top
4. Record on paper.
5. Remove these candies and repeat Steps 2-4
until no more candies are left.
6. Record results in Excel spreadsheet and model
the behavior.

Copyright (c) 2009 Reva Narasimhan

Review Example: Solutions of
Equations
 Using pencil and paper,
solving an equation
involves several steps of
algebraic manipulation.
 Students study a variety
of techniques and may
not necessarily realize
the significance of a
solution of an equation.
 In Excel, solutions of
equations are found
using a
feature called Goal Seek.

Copyright (c) 2009 Reva Narasimhan

Designing Materials
 Tutorials These worksheets illustrate a
particular topic in mathematics using the
capabilities of Excel

They can be used as in-class activities in the

course and can also be used as homework
assignments

Instructors may find these tutorials helpful in

designing lectures which incorporate computer
presentations
Copyright (c) 2009 Reva Narasimhan
Summary
 A spreadsheet can be used to unify algebraic, tabular
and graphical representations of an abstract concept.
 Gives valuable insight which may not be gained by just
pencil and paper work.
 Shows students the power of technology to explore and
make conjectures which would otherwise be very difficult
or impossible.
 Helping students build such insight is invaluable as they
move on to other courses and their professions.

Copyright (c) 2009 Reva Narasimhan

More information

 Download all Excel materials from

www.mymathspace.net

Click into the Spreadsheets link

 Email
rnarasim@kean.edu

Copyright (c) 2009 Reva Narasimhan