Direct and Inverse Proportion - Comments and Discussion

Direct variation and inverse variation can be taught using the familiar 'cat and mouse' brainteaser.

Direct and Inverse Proportion - Comments and Discussion

This is the comment and discussion page for the article
Cat and Mouse: Direct and inverse proportion, published in Directory : Mathematics.

If you would like to add your own comments, please take the time to read what others have written, then click the "Comment" button at the bottom of the page. Please keep your comments in line with the topic of the article under discussion.

Comments which are off topic or inappropriate will be removed by the site editor.

pbbowen wrote on Mar 20, 2005	quote options
Being a new HS math teacher, in my 50's, I have forgotten many of these kinds of problems. It's fun to think about them again. I'm dealing with a group of students who, though in the 10th grade, are struggling with a sixth to eighth grade foundation in math. They require a careful step-by-step approach to any confusing problem. So I have to break them down into tiny pieces. I have only just seen this article and haven't thought about it enough, but has there been a work sheet developed to help guide the students though this problem? Peter
Douglas Twitchell wrote on Mar 20, 2005	quote options
Peter, I'm not sure about that; I haven't seen one...but I'll ask around and get back to you in a day or two.
Douglas Twitchell wrote on Mar 20, 2005	quote options
I got thinking about this, and remembered I had seen a worksheet type thing online...I discovered it because it linked to my article. Anyway...it's probably not exactly what you're looking for, but here's the link: World Of Variation
John Lindle wrote on Dec 14, 2005	quote options
I discovered this web site by accident today and found reference to the direct and inverse variation problems concerning cats and mice etc.. I have been teaching mathematics now for 30 years and I, like many math teachers, enjoy collecting old math books. My oldest has a publication date of 1654!. Do some research on what used to be called the "DOUBLE RULE OF ONE". It is very interesting and can be used to solve problems of this type almost instantly. Good Luck
Douglas Twitchell wrote on Dec 17, 2005	quote options
Thanks John. I look forward to hearing more of your ideas on this site!

Click the comment button below to add your comments. Please keep your comments on the subject of the article. This is a great place to add further suggestions or ideas, or present a different viewpoint.