This site contains an extended explanation of two of the most significant results of mathematics: Pythagorean Theorem and Fermat’s Last Theorem. This material also offers a visual proof of Pythagorean Theorem and a video containing the explanation to the proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem.
Type of Material:
Tutorial
Recommended Uses:
This site can be used for individual or group exploration and learning.
Technical Requirements:
Javascript enabled browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
To learn about history and proofs of the two major theorems.
Target Student Population:
Students in a relevant math class that studies one of the discussed theorems or in a general education math class that covers the subject.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This site provides an easy to grasp introduction to two prominent results of mathematics: Pythagorean Theorem and Fermat’s Last Theorem. The user is carefully led to the ideas and steps of the proof of Pythagorean Theorem. The proof itself is presented using visual and interactive tools. There is also a video that describes it. Both historical and mathematical references are given with regards to Fermat’s Last Theorem. There is also a link to a one hour video describing the proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem.
Concerns:
Two of the embedded videos on the page do not run due to a copyright claim and one of the resource links is a broken link.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This site is an excellent tool for encouraging students to explore historical and mathematical aspects of two theorems discussed. The included activities, animation and videos provide additional help. This module can be used for self-exploration or an in-class.
Concerns:
Even though it the description on the parent site says that the site is designed for middle school students, it can easily be used for an introductory college level topology course. Since the embedded videos for Fermat’s Last Theorem do not play, this site is more useful for the study of the Pythagorean Theorem than it is for Fermat’s Last Theorem.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site includes text, animation, and videos that are easy to use and well designed. Self-learners with no or little knowledge of mathematics can still learn about the two theorems without needing much help from their instructor.
Concerns:
The site is easy to use if the student is learning about the Pythagorean Theorem, but with the broken embedded videos which are a substantial component of the learning experience for Fermat’s Last Theorem a student may have difficulty getting through that piece.
Creative Commons:
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