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ERIC Number: EJ1305316
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-739X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Reasoning about Geometric Limits
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v52 n9 p1345-1360 2021
Continuing our critique of the classical derivation of the formula for the area of a disk, we focus on the limiting processes in geometry. Evidence suggests that intuitive approaches in arguing about infinity, when geometric configurations are involved, are inadequate, and could easily lead to erroneous conclusions. We expose weaknesses and misconceptions in arguments which attempt to articulate what the static geometric object 'in the limit', or 'at infinity', is, or what it looks like. Supported by school curricular expectations and existing research, we suggest an alternative focus and reasoning process to teaching and investigating geometric limits. Instead of discussing what happens 'at infinity', or 'at the end of a limiting process', we suggest that one should argue based on what happens as we move 'far enough', i.e. 'far toward infinity'. Thus, we suggest replacing the static situation 'at infinity' with the investigation of the corresponding dynamic geometric pattern. This way, the emphasis is placed on reasoning about approximations and estimations, which appear as objectives in school curricula of many countries. We encourage introducing and discussing geometric limits, as they raise a number of interesting questions, ask for identification of patterns, and have potentially unexpected and exciting outcomes.
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A