Ganit Odyssey (Damt Newsletter May 2024)
Ganit Odyssey (Damt Newsletter May 2024)
Ganit Odyssey (Damt Newsletter May 2024)
MATHEMATICS TEACHERS
(DAMT)
Registered body under Society Registration act 1870
GANIT ODYSSEY
Quarterly e-newsletter of Delhi Association of Mathematics Teachers (DAMT)
Let us Elevate the Standard of Mathematics Education and Ignite Curiosity
Celebrating 54th Birth Anniversary of DAMT on 28th May 2024
Patron Advisor
Sh. Mohan Lal Prof. V. P. Gupta (Retd.)
FOREWORD
Warm regards
Dear Readers,
Warm regards,
The Editorial Team "Ganit Odyssey"
Delhi Association of Mathematics Teachers (DAMT)
Warm regards,
S. N. Chhibber
President,
Delhi Association of Mathematics Teachers (DAMT)
Warm regards
J. C. Nijhawan
Vice-President,
Delhi Association of Mathematics Teachers (DAMT)
One Thousand
NUMBER QUEST
SPECIAL PROPERTIES OF NUMBER 28
28 is a perfect number (a number which is equal to the sum of all its factors
excluding the number itself).
The sum of all the factors of 28 (except itself) is the number itself.
Here, 1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14 = 28.
The perfect numbers less than 10,000 are 6, 28, 496, and 8128.
28 is a Happy number.
From 1 to 100, the happy numbers are :
1, 7, 10, 13, 19, 23, 28, 31, 32, 44, 49, 68,
70, 79, 82, 86, 91, 94, 97, 100.
Between the years 2000 and 2099, the calendar repeats every 28 years. It also
cycles every 28 years between 2101 and 2199.
CONCEPT MATTERS
STATIONARY POINTS AND CRITICAL POINTS
Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha
PGT (Mathematics) , Sanskriti School, New Delhi
Editor, DAMT
There have been many misconceptions about these terms used in
Calculus and related concepts. My main aim in writing this article
is to delve deeper into these ideas and clarify the distinction
between them. One may have a different perspective from the
well-perceived notions of these terms and is free to share one’s
point of view with the editorial team of the magazine.
A Stationary point is the point where the derivative of the function is 0. It is
essentially the point where the curve is momentarily at rest and then it either takes a
smooth turn or becomes a point of inflexion. When the curve takes a smooth turn
at the point, it is a point of extremum (local or global). Stationary points are
necessarily the interior points of the domain of the function.
Now the related ideas such as “points of extremum” and “points of inflexion” must
be conceptualized properly. One should note that, at the critical points, the
extremum of the function and the point of inflexion of the function could possibly
occur.
Fig. 3
Some Remarks:
According to some authors, the critical points are those points of the domain of the
function where the extremum of the function could possibly occur. It does not
imply that all critical points are bound to be points of extremum. Since, the
extremum may occur even at the end points of the closed interval in which the
function is defined, some authors have added even the end points to the list of
critical points. In some examples, it has been found that the derivative at the end
point by differentiating the function mechanically by using rules for differentiation
turns out to be 0, hence some of us conclude that the end point is a critical point.
We fail to understand that the derivative at the end point does not exist. So, the end
point, if at all it was a critical point (as suggested by some authors), was so, not
because the derivative was 0, but because the end point could possibly become the
point of extremum. Most of the standard authors have excluded the end points
from the list of critical points and our text books seem to follow this.
BRAINY BYTES :
EMRACE THE CHALLENGE
Q2. How can math education be made more inclusive and engaging for students with
diverse learning styles and abilities?
Mrs. Anita Sharma: "Knowing your learners well" is the most powerful mantra for
making the math classroom more inclusive and engaging for students with diverse
learning styles, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and cultures. When educators have a
deep understanding of their students' strengths, interests, preferences, and
challenges, they can tailor instruction to meet the individual needs of each learner.
Here are a few suggestions to create inclusive classrooms for teachers:
b) Activities designed to proceed with the lesson should cater to the diversity of the
group. Utilizing learning styles, the theory of multiple intelligences, differentiated
instruction design, and universal design for learning can help sustain the interest of
each learner in classroom activities. Teachers may need to conduct engaging
discussions by pausing the video at appropriate points or provide more stimulating
experiences through simulations and interactive activities for kinesthetic learners.
Examples related to sports, creative arts, business and finances, astronomy,
agriculture, etc., will grab the attention of learners interested in those specific fields.
Additionally, getting to know learners on a personal level and navigating the lesson
by tapping into their interests helps build positive relationships and trust between
educators and students. When students feel valued, understood, and supported by
their teachers, they are more likely to actively participate in class, take risks in their
learning, and engage with mathematical concepts more deeply.
Q3. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlights a focus on experiential
learning and critical thinking skills. Can you describe specific initiatives or projects
undertaken at SDPS Pitampura to integrate these aspects of NEP 2020 into your
school's mathematics curriculum?
Mrs. Anita Sharma: In alignment with the goals of the National Education Policy
2020, SDPS Pitampura has created a dynamic learning environment that empowers
students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and active contributors to
society. NEP 2020 also emphasizes integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with the
modern education framework. We have undertaken several initiatives in this light.
Some of them are:
e) Learning mathematics through wall paintings: Our school invited traditional artists
from different states. While learning the history of these art forms, the culture of
different states, and scaling the paintings from small drawing sheets to 200-ft-long
walls, students learned concepts of ratio and proportion, graphs, calculations for
the quantity of paints required, and many other mathematical concepts.
Q4. What strategies can teachers employ to help students see the relevance of
mathematics in their everyday lives and future careers?
Mrs. Anita Sharma: Here are some strategies that can help students understand the
relevance and importance of mathematics in various aspects of their lives and future
career paths:
Overall, these strategies not only help students see the relevance of mathematics in
their lives but also inspire them to explore its potential in shaping the future.
GREAT MATHEMATICIAN
Born in May
His expertise wasn’t limited to theoretical realms; Riccati made significant strides
in multinomial theory, analyzed cycloidal pendulums, and contributed to
differential geometry. These efforts not only enriched mathematics but also
paved the way for future advancements in calculus and mathematical analysis.
Moreover, Riccati's practical applications of mathematics were evident in his
consultations for engineering projects, advising the Venetian Senate on canals
and riverbanks. His insights undoubtedly contributed to the success of these
infrastructure endeavors, highlighting the tangible impact of mathematical
expertise.
Despite lucrative offers from prestigious institutions abroad, Riccati chose to
remain in Italy, demonstrating his dedication to his homeland and commitment
to advancing mathematical knowledge within Italian academia.
In hindsight, Jacopo Riccati emerges not just as a mathematician but as a
visionary whose influence transcended borders, inspiring generations of
mathematicians and scientists worldwide.
GREAT MATHEMATICIAN
Born in June
SUBHASH KHOT
AN INDIAN-AMERICAN MATHEMATICIAN
GREAT MATHEMATICIAN
Born in July
Conclusion
By integrating mathematics across disciplines, educators can create a cohesive
learning experience that goes beyond isolated subjects. This fosters
interdisciplinary thinking, problem-solving skills, and a holistic understanding of
the world. This aligns with NEP 2020's vision of nurturing well-rounded
development of individuals. Let's embrace this opportunity to connect knowledge
across disciplines and empower students with mathematics as a tool for
exploration and discovery in every aspect of learning. Together, we can inspire a
generation that sees mathematics not as a hurdle but as a gateway to endless
possibilities.
References:
(a)National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
(b)National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023
PI APPROXIMATION DAY
As we gear up for Pi Approximation Day on July 22, we want to highlight the
significance of the mathematical constant π (pi). Let's get ready to celebrate early!
Solve the puzzle using the hints given below:
Submitted by Mrs. Meena Bagga Lecturer (Mathematics), HMDAV Sr Sec School , Darya Ganj, Delhi
MATHEMATICS ASSESSMENT :
RELEVANCE IN LEARNING
We can assume that the way the subject is taught in classes makes students feel that it
is dull, dry, boring, and not useful in day-to-day life. But is it only the teaching of the
subject that is responsible for the aversion, or does its assessment also have an equal
stake in causing students to drift away from this subject?
This leads us to one important question: why are we assessing the students? Other
than reporting the marks in the progress card, what are we doing with those numbers?
It is through assessment that we communicate to stakeholders the learning outcomes
that we value the most.
There is proven evidence that assessment for learning, i.e., formative assessment, is
considered the most useful when we need to ensure the learning of a student. It
provides feedback and direction to the teacher for making relevant changes in
pedagogy. It is important to develop the content from prerequisite knowledge to a
state where students are encouraged to analyze, evaluate, and create on their own.
In the truest sense, when pedagogy and assessment are linked as “what needs to be
assessed must be taught, and what is taught needs to be assessed in novel ways,” the
aims of mathematics education—Basic Numeracy, Mathematical Thinking, Problem-
Solving, Mathematical Intuition, and Joy, Curiosity, and Wonder—will be realized.
AI IN EDUCATION:
RECOMMENDED APPS FOR THE TEACHERS
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the
education sector, offering a plethora of innovative tools
and approaches to enhance teaching and learning. By
leveraging AI, educators can personalize learning
experiences, cater to individual student needs, and
automate administrative tasks, ultimately fostering a more
engaging and effective learning environment.
Here are some of the best AI-powered applications that
educators can utilize to empower their classrooms:
These are just a few among thousands of available tools that can transform your
teaching experience. By incorporating these AI tools, educators can create a more
dynamic, responsive, and effective learning environment that meets the diverse needs of
their students.
Have you used any AI tools in your classroom? Share your favorites with us! We're
always eager to discover new ways to leverage technology to enhance learning
experiences.
“One full circle is the wheel going round. Twelve are the segments of the felly of the
wheel. Three are the centres of the nave. Three hundred and sixty are the spokes fixed
with a remainder of five and yet on the move with the wheel.”
This clearly refers to the earth in revolution and in rotation- twelve months and the
three sixty days. (A month was inserted every five years to anciently maintain the
correspondence of the 360-day years with the true solar years. For this reason, a
traditional 360-day year is equivalent to a modern ~365.24-day solar year.) The three
centres causing the day and night may be in reference to the sun, the moon and the
earth. The Surya Siddhanta is a sanskrit text which describes rules to calculate the
motions and orbits of various planets and the moon in relation to the constellations.
The “Yog-Vasistha” was compiled by Valmiki later than he wrote the “Ramayana”.
It describes the instructions given by Guru Vasistha to Rama. Some of its verses
relate to the description of the nature of space,time,matter and consciousness.There is
a mention of the interconnectedness between the “observer” and the “observed”. The
vedic texts talk of relativity of time and space in a variety of ways. They speak of
countless universes and time flowing at different speeds for different observers.
The Bhagwat Purana speaks of a multiplicity of universes or Brahmandas, each
covered by seven fold layers with 500 billion yojnas in diameter . The Jyotish
Shastras, Surya Siddhantas give the Brahmanda an enlarged radius of 5000 light
years.
Aryabhata explicitly mentioned that the earth rotates about its axis, thereby causing
what appears to be an apparent westward motion of the stars. In his book,
Aryabhatia, he suggested that the earth was a sphere, containing a circumference of
24,835 miles (39,967 km). Aryabhata also mentioned that reflected sunlight is the
cause behind the shining of the moon.
Measure of time and calendar determination
The concept of time determination centred around the sun, the moon and the
earth. It’s main aim was to study the natural divisions of time created by the
motion of the earth and the moon in relation to the Sun and nakshtras into days,
months, seasons and years.
We trust that you have found our exploration of mathematics through our
newsletter to be enriching. We extend a cordial invitation to you: Have you
availed yourself of the opportunity to become a member of the esteemed Delhi
Association of Mathematics Teachers (DAMT) ? If not, we invite you to consider
joining our esteemed association by completing the membership form accessible
here.
Benefits of Membership
Professional Advancement:
Gain access to conferences, workshops, and seminars designed for
continuous professional development.
Forge valuable connections with mathematics educators across the nation.
Resources and Publications:
Receive newsletters, journals, and specialized publications focused on
mathematics education.
Access meticulously curated research monographs and classroom resources.
Collaboration and Recognition:
Participate in distinguished mathematics Olympiads and engage in
collaborative initiatives with diverse educational entities.
Earn recognition as a distinguished member of a premier association of
mathematics educators.
We also encourage you to connect with us on our various social media platforms
to exchange ideas and provide constructive feedback. Contribute articles for our
forthcoming e-newsletter by submitting them to [email protected]. Remain
connected and actively contribute to our dynamic community.
Best regards,
Editorial Team
Delhi Association of Mathematics Teachers (DAMT)