Spreadsheets and Matrices

  I am always looking for better ways to teach matrices and while researching the topic, I found a new article in the International Journal of Information and Education Technology which focuses on using spread sheets to teach matrices.

Since this is more of an academic paper, it contains a lot more background information than most suggestions.  The focus of this specific paper is to show how students can use MS Excel to manipulate matrix.

Although this is a 6 page article,  it has tons of pictures with directions so it is easy to follow.  In addition, the article also looks at solving three systems of equations using matrices.  I like the idea of using the spread sheet to teach math when I can.

If you don't have access to the standard spreadsheets, you can always use Geogebra.   Geogebra provides a great tutorial with step by step instructions for using their spreadsheet product.  The instructions are for a 2 by 2 matrix but they are very clear.  In addition, there are directions showing how to create a visual vector display of the matrix.  I like this because it takes students step by step through the process before they are assigned their first problem. 

I also found this article that has some great visual drawings to show matrices in a better way than the usual one used in textbooks. It is also written in plain English and easy to understand for people who are not the usual math or science geek.  However, it is the visual representation I really like because some people need the visualization to understand what is happening. In addition, it goes through so much that it makes a good introduction to the topic.

The above material gives a teacher everything needed to create a unit on matrices that incorporates spreadsheets.  I remember learning matrix when I was in college.  I spent so much time with my fingers, one on one, the other finger on another one and just working my way through it.  I wish I'd had access to spreadsheets to check my answers or spend time using it to do calculations so I could focus on some real world applications. 

Real World Applications of Matrices

  I am extremely good at the theoretical part of math. I can look at the general equation and figure out how to plug numbers in and complete the calculations but I'm not so good at what in real life can be turned in to matrices.  So today's search was for real life applications of matrices.

1. Math Warehouse which had a lovely discussion on turning tables in to matrices.  It gives examples and then has the students try it themselves. 

2. Edurite discusses real life uses of matrices from physics to geology to computer science to gross national product.  Even why matrices are great for producing 3D in a 2D environment.  I learned something new just reading the material here.

3. You Tube has a great 2:35 video where two students show how matrices are used in real life.  Its got a early cinema feel with some cute drawings.  The sound is a bit weak but its very creative and well done.

4. This Prezi presentation rocks in the way it connects matrices with real life.  I never thought about matrices and groceries.  I had never thought they were connected but they are! This presentation even shows matrix math being used with the real life situations.  That is cool.

5. Finally is a transcript with diagrams on using matrices in real life.  It has everything you need to use it in class and its from Western Kentucky University.  I love some of the examples because the narrator states that some of the examples are contrived but is still used.  This transcript is for episode 13.  The free podcast can be downloaded and used in the classroom while you as the teacher use the transcript.

I am bookmarking all of these for the next time I teach matrices in my upper level math classes.  I really like being able to give some real life examples because most math books are set up so students seldom see the relationship to real life.  Yeah!