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Why do
this problem ?
Learning to write mathematical statements clearly and simply is one
of the most important skills that a mathematician needs to learn.
In order to do this, a mathematician needs to have a clear
understanding of the logical flow 'IF something is true, THEN
something else is true'. This
problem gives practice in this process. It could be accessed at
any point from advanced stage 3 to stage 5 and will really help to
sharpen up the students' written mathematics.
Possible approach
The interactivity lends itself to a group approach. It is
important that students are given the opportunity to talk about
their logical statements and to try to explain their answers
verbally. To do this, you might ask someone to suggest an answer to
a line in the card-sorter and then ask for feedback on whether
others agree or disagree. There are multiple possible ways in which
certain cards can be matched.
Key questions
- Which cards have a good chance of fitting with other
cards?
- Can you explain why your logic holds for each correct
answers?
Possible extension
The cards have been chosen so that the completed statements
are 'obviously' true. Good students might be encouraged to think
more about WHY the statements are true. Can they give a strong
argument or proof?
Extension work of a similar type is provided in the question
Contrary Logic. Activities extending the 'proof' theme are
given in
Direct Logic.
Possible support
Rather than attempt to fill in all of the boxes, students
could try to make just a selection of true statements.
You might start by discussing these statements:
If my team wins the world cup tomorrow then I'll be happy
tomorrow.
If I am happy tomorrow then my team will win the world cup
tomorrow.
If I am not happy tomorrow then my team will not win the world
cup tomorrow.
If my team does not win the world cup tomorrow then I will not
be happy tomorrow.
If this is maize then it grew from a seed
If this grew from a seed then it is maize
If this did not grow from a seed then it is not maize
If this is not maize then it did not grow from a seed
If Rover is a dog then Rover is an animal
If Rover is not an animal then Rover is not a dog
If Rover is not a dog then Rover is an animal
If Rover is an animal then Rover is a dog