What is Discrete Math



What is Discrete Math?

Discrete Math covers many real-life applications of mathematical thinking.  While algebra competency is expected, logic and reasoning are more emphasized.

 

During the unit on Social Choice, we examine voting methods, rankings, power, apportionment, and fair division.  Questions we discuss include: How does the voting on American Idol differ from that of Survivor?  As a pirate, how do you fairly divide the loot you've collected?  How do you decide who should get 100 donated tickets to the ACC tournament so that the 100 students are "representative" of the Reagan student body? etc.

 

During the unit on Graph Theory, we examine classic puzzles as well as current ones and solve them with graphical representations.  The Bridges of Koningsburg, Traveling Salesman Problems, Networking, and Project Scheduling are all topics covered.  Project for this quarter was "The Great American Road Trip" where each student decided on a theme and 4 locations to visit.  They researched air fares and mileage and determined the most economical way to travel their dream trip with 3 of their friends.

 

During the unit on Math in Nature, we examine the mathematics found in nature in terms of patterns of growth and population changes.  We look at populations such as deer, fish, bugs, bunnies, as well as money, radioactive waste, and cars.  In Discrete Standard, we create art using the type of gnomonic growth exhibited by elk's horns and nautilus shells.

 

During the unit on Statistics, we examine clinical studies, random sampling, data presentation, probabilities, and combinatorics.  Questions we discuss include: How many different ways can 11 players make up a starting lineup for a basketball team?  How many possible 5-digit passwords are there if the starting digit must be 9?  What is the difference between a statistic and a parameter? etc.

 

Discrete Standard is ideal for a student who does not enjoy or feel confident in their algebraic skills.  Logical thinking and reasoning are more emphasized such that a weak Algebra student can be a strong Discrete student.  Discrete Honors is more rigorous and requires more algebraic skills as formulas are often derived rather than just given.  Some additional topics such as Markov Chains and game theory are sometimes included in the Honors class.  

|Be Respectful. |You Decide. |I Care. |

Classroom Information

|Subject: |Mathematics |Email: |

|Instructor: |Mrs. Carla Rodden | crodden@wsfcs.k12.nc.us |

|Classroom: |603 |Phone: 703-6776 |

Supply List

✓ 1 One-Inch 3-ring Binder (for Math only) or 1 Section in a larger 3-ring Binder

✓ Notebook Paper

✓ Sharpened Pencils / Erasers / Highlighter(s)

✓ Colored pen or pencil or marker for making corrections

✓ TI 83+ or 84+ Graphing Calculator (loaners available – ask for a contract)

Classroom Supplies (optional – but greatly appreciated)

✓ Markers (wide and fine tipped)

✓ Colored Pencils

✓ Hand Sanitizer

✓ Paper Towels

✓ Clorox disinfecting wipes

✓ Lysol Spray

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download