Maths-derive

The speed at which derive calculates allows for any lesson to proceed at a fast pace without the learning outcome of the students suffering. Derive enables new approaches in teaching, learning and understanding mathematics through its many algebraic, numeric and graphic capabilities all of which can be identified in our derive session on the line. In our session it is obvious that there are a lot of graphs which would be very time consuming in a normal pen to paper situation but with derive you can draw a graph by clicking the left mouse button three times and with one click you can solve an equation, for example the equation of the line. Once you have the equation you can once again plot it. It’s a great way of not only varying the teaching stimuli but it is very effective and can keep students interested. This would also contribute to the development of the self-esteem and self-confidence of the students. Derive also gives you options for solving questions, for example for the point of intersection between two lines you can use the solve expression to solve it using simultaneous equations or you can solve it graphically using the trace plots icon thus teaching students a variety of solving methods. The concepts the students will learn and understand in our derive session include plotting points, plotting lines, finding the slope of the lines, finding the distance of the line, finding the midpoint of the line and finding the points of intersection between two lines, the x-axis and the y-axis. Derive takes away the burden of the problem solving and calculations and gives students the time to concentrate on the mathematical meaning of concepts.

In relation to our session we can spot the importance and relevance of derive for the line. Also if students follow the simple commands correctly they will progress at a relatively similar pace resulting in an equal learning outcome while still maximizing their potential. They will learn and understand how and when to use a certain formula in a question and they will understand the relationship between all the answers they find.

For a teacher and student, derive is an ideal tool for supporting the teaching and learning of mathematics.