Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
360876 The Journal of Mathematical Behavior 2009 9 Pages PDF
Abstract

This paper presents a case study of a highly successful student whose exploration of an advanced mathematical concept relies predominantly on syntactic reasoning, such as developing formal representations of mathematical ideas and making logical deductions. This student is observed as he learns a new mathematical concept and then completes exercises about it. The paper focuses on how Isaac developed an understanding of this concept, how he evaluated whether a mathematical assertion is true or false, how he generated counterexamples to disprove a statement, and the general role examples play for him in concept development and understanding.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Mathematics Applied Mathematics
Authors
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