MATHEMATICS TECHNOLOGY AND PROBLEM SOLVING

The problem solving of the course’s title is a journey through mathematical problems using Paul Zeitz’s wonderful The Art and Craft of Problem Solving, second edition. The technology of the course’s title is an introduction to LaTeX, the document typesetting mark-up language. We use the free electronic book 

The Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX2e, Or LaTeX2e in 141 Minutes by Tobias Oetiker.

To test how well students problem solve, the class participates in the Georgia Math League Contest, the Mandelbrot Individual Contest, the Mandelbrot Team Play, and the AMC. They are charged with writing the problems for the Rockdale Mathematics Competition.

To test their LaTeXing skills, they are required to LaTeX the Rockdale Mathematics Competition problems and solutions, to LaTeX solutions to problems from Zeitz’s book, and to LaTeX any proofs required by solving problems.

The 2013-14 school year marks the fourth time I have taught this since the 2008-2009 school year. The course is currently on hiatus.