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Part of the book series: ICME-13 Monographs ((ICME13Mo))

Abstract

This article discusses the advantages of integrating recursion and difference equations into the middle school and high school algebra curriculum as a means to promote a deeper mathematical understanding of algebraic topics, particularly the covariation of variables. This integration of difference equations builds on earlier mathematical concepts and prepares students for studying the mathematics of change: calculus. In addition, recursive problems can reinforce a student’s ability to communicate mathematically through the use of contextual situations.

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References

  • Carlson, M., Jacobs, S., Coe, E., Larsen, S., & Hsu, E. (2002). Applying covariational reasoning while modeling dynamic events: A framework and a study. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 33(5), 352–378.

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Correspondence to James Sandefur .

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Sandefur, J., Somers, K., Dance, R. (2018). How Recursion Supports Algebraic Understanding. In: Hart, E., Sandefur, J. (eds) Teaching and Learning Discrete Mathematics Worldwide: Curriculum and Research. ICME-13 Monographs. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70308-4_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70308-4_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-70307-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-70308-4

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