This applet is a sub-site of the Math Applets for Calculus at SLU site. It is designed for the visual exploration of functions defined as a sum over k of terms in x. The user can also enter and plot another function: the usual choice will be the limit function of the series when it can be expressed in closed form.
Type of Material:
Simulation and demonstration.
Recommended Uses:
A source of lab assignments or similar activities. Also, useful for classroom demonstration.
Technical Requirements:
Java-enabled browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
This site provides students and teachers with a computer-based activity for the study of functions defined by series.
Target Student Population:
Students studying Differential Calculus of a singe variable.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic introduction to sequences and series and an understanding of limits.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This applet provides the ability to visualize a function defined by the partial sum of a series. When the limit of the partial sum happens to be a known function, this function can be graphed as well for purposes of comparison. Thus the user can get a sense for the converging process. The graphing of the included error function will aid this understanding.
Concerns:
None.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Teachers will find this to be an effective demonstration tool. The applet is a nice size with colored graphs that will show up well. Students could also use this for guided lab work outside of class.
The site also provides a link to a sample worksheet that shows how this applet has been used to explore convergence of sequences of approximating functions to the original function.
Concerns:
None.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The applet is easy to use (with the exception noted below). The function of each button and text box is obvious and is clearly explained. The ability to see numerical information about the cursor position is a great benefit.
Concerns:
Instructions are provided, but nowhere is it explained how to start a new graph... you hit the return key. Is that supposed to be obvious?
The help panel has some misspelled words.
Creative Commons:
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