Mathematics 436

Mathematical Reflections 436: Reflection 5

(Revised March 1999)

Introduction
This document is a tool designed to help give teachers a clear description of what should be
covered in Reflection 5 of the Reflections 436 textbook. The textbook offers more material than
can be covered in most regular classes. However, this summary should be seen as a guide only;
the amount of time available as well as the students' interests and capabilities will determine the
material which is covered. Further information about the material is found in the Teacher's Guide.

Objectives Covered in Reflection 5

This reflection covers the “isometry and equivalence” aspects of Objective 2,1: To solve problems
using the concepts of isometry, similarity and equivalence. Students will enlarge their body of
knowledge about isometric and equivalent two- or three-dimensional figures in order to solve
problems. They will learn to provide structured solutions to problems and include justifications.
This will help them learn to present formal proofs, a component of the Math 536 course.

It is important to refer to the MEQ Curriculum document for more details on the objectives
of the program (pp. 26 - 29).

Time ≈17% of the year. Reflections 5 & 9 cover Objective 2.1 which is 27% of the year’s work.

Comments
1. This reflection develops mathematical reasoning which incorporates the following skills:
making conjectures, testing them, stating counter-examples, following a logical argument,
judging the validity of an argument, and constructing a simple, valid argument.

2. This reflection also leads students to reason deductively in a more formal and rigorous
manner than they have done in the past. The student should be able to understand and
follow a deductive proof and to use this approach in solving problems. Although there is no
objective in the program dealing with formal logic, the necessary concepts are introduced on
an “as needed” basis.

3. A review of the concepts covered in Cycle I is incorporated into the activities as these
concepts are often needed in solving problems. Note that these concepts are listed in
Appendix 1, pp. 41 - 42 of the MEQ Curriculum.

4. A summary of the principles introduced in geometry in Math 436 is given in Appendix 3, pp.
45 - 47 of the MEQ Curriculum.

5. The use of dynamic software such as Cabri Geometry or Geometer’s Sketchpad can enhance
the learning of geometry.

6. Note:

As the students taking Math 436 generally constitute the top 35 - 40% of the school’s
population, they should be expected to work more autonomously on assignments in
order to cover the course content. Optional topics could be assigned for independent
study.

This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/
 Mathematics 436

Mathematical Reflections 436: Reflection 5

Topic Time Priority 1 Optional Omit

Class Homework
1. Types of 2.5% √ Conditional & Investment 1: 11,
Statements Biconditional* 12
(pp. 2 - 17) Logical Implication Think Tank: p. 6
and Equivalence* Think Tank: p. 13
Investment 1: 1-10 Think Tank: p. 17
Definitions
Investment 2: 1-12
Properties
Investment 3: 1-8

2. Other Types of 1.5% √ Axioms Investment 4: 4, 6,

Statements Propositions 9, 12, 13
(pp. 18 - 27) Theorems Think Tank: p. 27
Investment 4: 1-3,
5, 7, 8, 10, 11

3. Proofs 3.5% √ Angles Investment 5: 6, 7,

(pp. 28 - 47) Investment 5: 1-5, 10
8, 9, 11, 12 Think Tank p. 38
Think Tank: p. 35 Workout 14: 2a, c,
Triangles 3a, c, 4b, d, 5*,
Investment 6: 1-4 6*, 10, 11, 12b, 15,
Workout 14: 1, 2b, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27,
d, 3b, d, 4a, c, 7-9, 28
12a, c, 13, 14, 16-
19, 22, 24, 25
Pop Quiz 14

4. Isometric 2.5% √ Isometric Figures Investment 7: 5*,

Figures Identifying 6*, 7
(pp. 48 - 68) Isometries Think Tank: p. 54
Investment 7: 1-4, Investment 8: 4*,
8-10 7*
Describing Think Tank: p. 68
Isometries
Investment 8: 1-3,
5, 6, 8-17

This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/
 Mathematics 436

Mathematical Reflections 436: Reflection 5

Topic Time Priority 1 Optional Omit

Class Homework

5. Isometric 3.5% √ Basic Theorems Investment 9: 8,

Triangles Investment 9: 1-7, 12, 16
(pp. 69 - 91) 9-11, 13-15 Think Tank: p. 79
Applications of Investment 10: 9,
Isometric Triangles 10
Investment 10: 1-8 Think Tank: p. 84
Workout 15: 1, 3, 4, Workout 15: 2*, 5,
6, 7, 8*-13, 15, 17, 14, 16, 18, 20-22
19
Pop Quiz

6. Isometric 1% Transformations in Investment 11:

Solids Space 2b*, 9, 11
(pp. 92 - 98) Investment 11: 1, Think Tank p. 98: b
2a, c, 3-8
Think Tank: p. 98:
a

7. Equivalent 2.5% Area and Volume Investment 12: 9-

Figures Investment 12: 1-8 13
(pp. 99 - 112) Think Tank: p. 108

* Note that there are instances of poor or inaccurate translation which makes comprehension by
the students very difficult.

This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/