Assignment 1 (35%)

Due Date: February 23, 2020 @ 11:55 p.m.

Task 1: Unit 1.2 – Patterns & Generalization– (23%)

(a) There is increasing evidence that an awareness of mathematical structure is crucial to

mathematical competence. Teachers can assist students to expand their mathematics abilities
by exposing them to patterns in the learning of mathematics.

With reference to the statement above and a named topic in the grade 9 curriculum, discuss
the importance of pattern identification in the learning of mathematics. Support your
discussion with relevant literature and your own experience.

Word Limit: 650 words.

[8 marks]

(a) State ONE example of the occurrence and use of patterns and generalizations in the
grades 7 – 9 secondary school mathematics curriculum with respect to
(i) Number
(ii) Space
(iii) Everyday situations/real life applications [3 marks]

(b) (i) For the problem below, present two different ways in which the problem

can be solved. Ensure that detailed solutions to the problem are included in your
response.
Problem
This pattern below is made up of grey and black tiles. It consists of 7 tiles across.

How many tiles are in a pattern with:

a) Three tiles across
b) Five tiles across
c) Seven tiles across
d) In a Church there is a pattern like this which is 149 tiles across. How many tiles will it
contain altogether?
[6 marks]
(ii) Discuss TWO implications for teaching based on engaging in solving the problem above.
Use ONE literature source to support EACH implication put forward.
Word limit: 250 – 350 [6 marks]

Task 2: Unit 1.4 On Being Sure in Mathematics

(a) In your own words, explain what a mathematical proof is. Your explanation must be
sufficiently clear that a low ability student is able to understand it.
[3 marks]
(b) Prove the following statements to be either true or false:

(i) The product of an even number and any other number is even.
[3 marks]

(ii) Prove that for any positive integer number n, n 3 + 2 n is divisible by 3.
[4 marks]
(iii) For each proof completed above state what type of proof each can be
classified as.
[2 X 1 marks]

[Total: 12 marks]