[Blindmath] Linear formulas for synthetic division algorithm available in Nemeth braille

Susan Jolly via Blindmath blindmath at nfbnet.org
Wed May 14 21:17:32 UTC 2014


I have written and posted an article which gives the formulas for the
algorithm on which synthetic division is based. The article is in print but
all of the formulas and other math are written in Nemeth braille. My main
intent is to be of benefit to braille users who prefer not to use standard
spatial algorithms.

The formulas are given at the start of the article and are followed by
background material including an explanation of the notation in the
formulas.

I would like to thank Jon Yaggie for making me think more carefully about
the importance of understanding division of polynomials.  My article
includes a reference to an article by two college math professors which
explains the importance to higher math of a good understanding of long
division.

Here is the link to my article:
http://www.dotlessbraille.org/SyntheticDivision.htm

I welcome feedback as to errors or material that isn't clear.  I'm also glad
to answer any questions about the topic.

Some of the students on this list have indicated that they've been having
some difficulties in their math classes. My hope is that studying my article
can help students to identify some particular reasons why. It might be
useful to take notes whenever having problem understanding the article.  It
could be lack of ease with Nemeth math, forgetting or not knowing certain
definitions, poorly written explanations on my part, lack of familiarity
with assumed background material, or any number of other reasons.

Best wishes,
Susan Jolly





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