Title
How Many is That? (Liz Sansone)
Goals
Students will explore the concepts of permutations and combinations
Abstract
Students are asked to work alone and then in a small group, encountering approaches to different counting techniques and the differences between permutations and combinations. .
Problem Statement
Discuss with your students the idea that there are many different ways to do many different things (i.e., watch t.v, do hw, take shower or the other way around, etc.). Remind them to be aware of when two things are really the same.
Instructor Suggestions
1) Discuss "Problem Statement" from above with your students.
2) Have students work alone for 5-7 minutes then get together in small groups to discuss.
3) Distribute "How Many is That" activity sheet, also distribute a transparency and a marker to each group, one person needs to illustrate the groups' approach..
4) When the small groups are finished, have a spokesperson for each group share their method using the transparency that they prepared.
5) Discuss the students' work and discuss the difference between the two types of grouping.
Materials
How Many is That? activity sheet, transparencies, markers.
Time
Introduction (5 min.) individual work (5-7 min.) small group work (10 min.), presentation of small group work and large group discussion (20 min.).
Mathematics Concepts
Discrete Mathematics Concepts
Counting techniques, permutations, combinations
Related Mathematics Concepts
data representation
NCTM Standards Addressed
Problem Solving, Communication, Reasoning, Connections, Algebra, Geometry, Discrete Math.
Colorado Model Content Standards Addressed
Data Collection and Analysis (3), Problem Solving Techniques (5), Linking Concepts and Procedures (6)
Curriculum Integration
This activity could be integrated into a traditional or Integrated Algebra 1 class as the topic of .counting techniques is introduced. This will be a simple intro to the difference between permutations and combinations.
Further Investigation
Extend the problem by using other situations that have the same number to choose from but where one situation would be considered repeats so students can see when they need to divide out for duplicates
Variations/Comments
References/Resources
Crisler, N., Fisher, P., & Froelich, G. (1994). Discrete mathematics through applications. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.