THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES OF CALCULATION

AND SOLVING PERCENTAGE PROBLEMS.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS IN MATHEMATICS

 

The project carried out by: the 2nd-class pupils

Guided by: IRENA ŠLAITIENĖ

 

This project, “Theoretical Principles of Calculation and Solving Percentage Problems. Practice Problems in Mathematics”, was aimed at introducing to the pupils methods of calculation of percents, possibilities of practical use of such methods in real-world situations, and providing theoretical basis of the calculation. It is an educational-research and interdisciplinary (mathematics-chemistry-biology-physics-economics) project.

 

The project “Practice Problems in Mathematics” was developed by the pupils and includes about 100 problems that require thinking about principles of management of economic resources and personal budget. Moreover, such problems analyse certain aspects of practical activity, which every person may encounter in various spheres of life: labour, home etc. Real-world problems are reflected as conditions of problems in mathematics. For solving of such problems, the pupils have to apply theoretical principles, logical thinking and analysis.

 

Objectives:

1)      Gathering information regarding the calculation of percent,

2)      Analysing solutions of percentage problems,

3)      Introducing formulas of percentage calculation,

4)      Providing examples of employment of percentage calculation in real-world situations,

5)      Emphasizing of practical application of mathematics,

6)      Training of skills to make use of information and communication technologies,

7)      Learning to collaborate, distribute tasks, analyse the results etc.

 

Stages:

1)      Breaking into groups and distributing of tasks,

2)      Revising of a topic necessary for carrying out of the project,

3)      Gathering of information,

4)      Drawing up of formulas, selecting and solving of problems,

5)      Processing of information,

6)      Putting into shape of the project,

7)      Drawing of conclusions,

8)      Presentation. Assessment of the work.

 

The project was presented at a school conference organised by the Užupis High School and at  Vilnius City Pupils’ Conference in John-Paul High School.

The project was presented using Microsoft PowerPoint.

 

Conclusions:

1)       By formulating and solving applied problems, the pupils evaluated their knowledge in mathematics acquired during lessons, and in addition, it was useful in preparation for the examination of 10th class level,

2)       When knowing the methods of solution, the pupils solve the problems quickly through a few operations,

3)       If a pupil knows the theoretical principles of solution, he can easily solve a problem,

4)       Therefore, when taking part in creative process, a pupil develops his abilities, learns to express his thoughts in a precise and concise manner and adequately formulate mathematical truths, develops his interest in mathematics and inquiring turn of mind, and acquires the striving for self-improvement. Every pupil had the opportunity for expressing his inventiveness, self-confidence and creative power, developing his artistic abilities and improving his culture of writing.