A Technique of Presenting the Function Concept in the Secondary Schools

Author

Claude D. Anderson, Prairie View A&M College

Date of Award

8-1970

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Degree Discipline

Mathematics

Abstract

There are four main branches of mathematics; namely, algebra, geometry, analysis, and topology. The third, analysis, may be defined as the study of functions. The word, "function" is used commonly in a nonmathematical sense to denote simply the ideal of one thing depending on another. It may be said, "A man's success is a function of his ability and industry," even though the relationship involved cannot be expressed in mathematical terms.

The theory of functions as the mathematician thinks of it was begun by the Frenchman, Augustin Cauchy (1789-1857). He was a civil engineer, but permitted his interest in theoretical mathematics to absorb the greater part of his time.

In the high schools, students must face many problems. Sometime just the idea of numbers that are not known are represented by letters. The introduction of function has been invented to give an idea of the meaning or the relationship between two or more quantities.

This shifting of mathematics has not reached its end, a considerable change may be anticipated as the result of the demand of modern science that the student be prepared to make constant use of the tools and concepts of mathematics.

The writer wishes to show how the function concept may be taught in a high school algebra class.

Committee Chair/Advisor

F. T. Hawkins

Committee Member

A. D. Stewart

Publisher

Prairie View A&M College

Rights

Date of Digitization

3-23-2022

Contributing Institution

John B Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Anderson, C. D. (1970). A Technique of Presenting the Function Concept in the Secondary Schools. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-theses/1384