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

[Jonathon Yaggie via Blindmath]

Susan,

My inability to read braille in general hinders me from actually being able
to read what you wrote very well.  But a couple important notes on the
mathematics of the division algorithm which I think should be noted to
students if plan to use it.

1) One does not need to add zeros when using the division algorithm as one
does in the spatial version
2) It works for all polynomials e.g. synthetic division is a special case.
3) it is important also to note that this is the long division algorithm.
 How do blind children learn long division? or dont they?  Such a simple
thing I have never even considered.

In addition, are there example in there?  i had written out some examples.
 I will attach them (tex and pdf) if you want to use them.   It makes me
feel like the 40 pages of background I wrote for my MA thesis was not a
waste :)

Jon Yaggie
EYH Volunteer Coordinator
UIC Mathematics


On Wed, May 14, 2014 at 4:17 PM, Susan Jolly via Blindmath <
blindmath at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> 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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