Mathematical+Reflections,+p+35

6th September 2008 A.M. Big Idea: Observation and description of changes in the world around us are the first steps in discovering and learning about patterns. Essential Question INV. 1: What are some of the variables around us?

__ Mathematical Reflection 2 __

1) Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a table?

A: The advantages of tables are that: they are easy to make, can be read very easily, all the numbers are written (so that you don’t have to estimate), and understood very easily.

The disadvantages of tables are that: you can’t visually see the ups and downs and where the patterns are, also to find the differences between the data in the intervals you need to calculate the information.

2) Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a graph?

A: The advantages of graphs are that: you can visually see the patterns and ups and downs between the data which helps you understand it well, and you don’t have to calculate the difference between the data because you can already see it (through the x and y axis).

The disadvantages of graphs are that: sometimes you have to estimate the data, graphs can be complicated to read at times, and they are not always used for all purposes, which is why a lot of people don’t know how to read graphs.

3) Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a written report?

A: The advantages of written summaries are that: you can add a lot of details, it’s more explanatory, and it gives readers a better understanding of the data.

The disadvantages of written summaries are that: it can be very time consuming, sometimes the data is better represented on a graph then in a written summary, and on a graph you can see the intervals, stops, progressing times and times when progress wasn’t made, and patterns, which you can’t see on a written summary unless there is a graph included in it.