«Μηχανές δημιουργίας παραβολικών τόξων και εφαρμογή τους στην διδακτική πράξη»

Description

This paper presents the analysis and construction of two mathematical machines that can precisely design a specific conic section, the Parabola. The subject of geometric curves has mathematicians been concerned, from antiquity to the present day, both with their usefulness and with the legitimacy of their use to solve geometrical problems. There is also the special concept of parabola, a conic section that has been studied for many centuries through various contexts. There was also some planning for the use of mathematics to teach the concept of parabola to secondary school students. The mechanism of Bonaventura Cavalieri (1598-1647) and Frans Van Schooten (1615-1660) was analyzed and constructed after simulation using Geogebra Dynamic Geometry software and Autocad. During the analysis and construction, mathematical concepts were found which are hidden within the machines and constitute their basic building block. We aspire that the attempt to analyze, simulate, construct, and use mathematical machines and mechanisms in teaching improves students’ attitudes towards mathematics and the evidence process. Besides, experience with curve design mechanisms has always played an important role in the development of analytical geometry, algebraic symbolism, calculus, and concept of functions.

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