This post is synonymously titled with "The Mathematical Brain" by Brian Butterworth. I first read that book when I was a trainee teacher in 2001 and since then, my view of mathematics learning has changed radically.
Now I see there is actually a place for mathematics haters. They really have a place - far far away from me.
I'm not against people struggling with mathematics but I wonder why people wouldn't try. I know interest counts for a lot and I concede that point about interest. But then, if one weren't interested, explain why one would come for Mathematical Olympiad training sessions?
Question for the day:
Which of the following products is bigger?
20092010 * 2011 or 20112010 * 2009
3 comments:
Did you ever hear of over-achiever parents who push.....
Numbers hated me first and I return the favor gladly....
the first one has a bigger product?
Well done Quinsy.
Here's the non-calculator proof.
Note that abcdabcd = abcd * 1001.
Therefore,
20092010 * 2011
= 20092009 * 2011 + 2011
= 2009*10001*2011 + 2011
= a + 2001
and
20112010 * 2009
= 20112011 * 2009 - 2009
= 2011*10001*2009 - 2009
= a - 2009
< a + 2011
Therefore, the first product is bigger in value. QED.
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