Electronic Proceedings of the 12^th Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics

Abstract for 13025

Spreadsheets in Mathematics: Accessibility, Creativity, and Fun

Authors: Deane Arganbright

Affiliations: currently retired

Keywords:

A spreadsheet, such as Microsoft Excel, provides educators with a

creative tool for the study and teaching of mathematics,

mathematical modeling, and mathematical visualization. It enables

students to gain mathematical insights into a diverse range of

interesting and significant applications in an engaging setting

while they simultaneously acquire practical skills in using the

principal mathematical tool of the workplace. This paper illustrates

novel ways to use this powerful and accessible tool and its

outstanding graphic features creatively in teaching a surprising

number of mathematically oriented topics. Illustrations come from

such disciplines as the physical and social sciences, statistics,

mathematics, computer sciences, and the arts. The paper describes

how Excel’s graphics can create eye-catching animated graphic

displays and inject more fun into the study of mathematics.