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Title: Student reasoning about the least-squares problem in inquiry-oriented linear algebra
The method of Least Square Approximation is an important topic in some linear algebra classes. Despite this, little is known about how students come to understand it, particularly in a Realistic Mathematics Education setting. Here, we report on how students used literal symbols and equations when solving a least squares problem in a travel scenario, as well as their reflections on the least squares equation in an open-ended written question. We found students used unknowns and parameters in a variety of ways. We highlight how their use of dot product equations can be helpful towards supporting their understanding of the least squares equation.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1914793
NSF-PAR ID:
10465464
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Editor(s):
Cook, S.; Katz, B.; Moore-Russo, D.
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Proceedings of the Annual Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education
ISSN:
2474-9346
Page Range / eLocation ID:
643-651
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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