Why it is important to teach geometry - MacHighway

Why it is important to teach geometry

Gerry Leversha Mathematical Association Annual Conference

Cambridge April 2009

GCSE Problem

D

b

A

43? a

c 46?

C

B

Find the angles a, b and c .

GCSE Problem

D

b

A

43? a

c 46?

C

B

Find the angles a, b and c giving reasons.

GCSE Problem

ABC is isosceles - tangents from a point to a circle.

A

a = 67? (angle sum of triangle).

43? a

b = 67? (alternate segment theorem).

D

b

c = 70? (angle sum of triangle).

c 46?

C

B

Find the angles a, b and c giving reasons.

Assessing the Problem

Because three angles have been listed, the problem has been broken down into easy steps.

This might discourage alternative ways of approaching the calculation.

The geometrical results (angle sum of triangle, alternate segment,...) are given

equal status.

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