Approximating surds

Why we like this activity....
This relatively short simple activity finds approximations of surds by an iterative process involving multiplying matrices. This can be used as
a revision of multiplying matrices and limits.

How this activity can be used....
This can be used in the classroom or set as homework as a revision of matrices and limits.

What to expect when using this activity, from our experience...
I used this activity after the summer vacations. It provided a gentle reintroduction to the IB higher level course. The challenging part of the
activity is the proof.

Clue : Expand then divide numerator and denominator by y n

Extra notes

Author/Date: Richard Wade 13/09/09

Credits

Approximation of surds
	Description/Aim
		This short investigation finds approximations to surds using matrix multiplication. To attempt this activity you should know how to multiply out matrices and understand the principle of limits. To speed up the number crunching it might help if you have access to technology that will enable you to multiply out matrices.

	Teachers Notes - Why? How? What?
	Why we like this activity.... This relatively short simple activity finds approximations of surds by an iterative process involving multiplying matrices. This can be used as a revision of multiplying matrices and limits. How this activity can be used.... This can be used in the classroom or set as homework as a revision of matrices and limits. What to expect when using this activity, from our experience... I used this activity after the summer vacations. It provided a gentle reintroduction to the IB higher level course. The challenging part of the activity is the proof. Clue : Expand then divide numerator and denominator by y n Extra notes Author/Date: Richard Wade 13/09/09 Credits
	IB mathematics higher standard matrices investigation surds
	www.thinkmathematics.com


	Great ideas and resources for teaching engaging mathematics lessons

Great ideas and resources for teaching engaging mathematics lessons

Approximation of surds

IB mathematics higher standard matrices investigation surds