Mr. Purushothaman Jayaraman is an educator specializing in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, particularly the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (IBDP). Currently, he serves as an IBDP Math Educator at Udon Thani International School. He is also an IB Examiner for Analysis and Approaches (AA) HL and an IA Moderator, showcasing his expertise in advanced mathematics education.
Mr. Purushothaman Jayaraman is an educator specializing in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, particularly the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (IBDP). Currently, he serves as an IBDP Math Educator at Udon Thani International School. He is also an IB Examiner for Analysis and Approaches (AA) HL and an IA Moderator, showcasing his expertise in advanced mathematics education.
Knowledge questions:
How can calculus be used to inform both theory-led and data-led modeling approaches in understanding complex phenomena?
Theory-led vs. Data-led Modeling: Harnessing Knowledge for Predictive Relationships
IB AA HL & SL Revision worksheet Integral calculus
This worksheet focuses on Calculus describes rates of change between two variables and the accumulation of limiting areas. Understanding these rates of change and accumulations allow us to model, interpret and analyze realworld problems and situations. Calculus helps us to understand the behaviour of functions and allows us to interpret the features of their graphs
Command Terms:
Show that : Obtain the required result (possibly using information given) without the formality of proof. “Show that” questions do not generally require the use of
a calculator.
Find:Obtain an answer showing relevant stages in the working
IB MYP task based on constructing and substituting algebraic expressions in the context of travel tickets. This task aligns with Criterion D (Applying mathematics in real-life contexts) strands
Construct Algebraic Expressions
Substitute Values
Analyze and Interpret
Reflection
Criterion D: Applying Mathematics in Real-life Contexts
Strand D1: Identify relevant elements of authentic real-life situations.
Understand the ticket types, base prices, and discount structures.
Strand D2: Select appropriate mathematical strategies.
Use algebra to create expressions that represent ticket pricing with discounts.
Strand D3: Apply the selected mathematical strategies correctly.
Substitute values into your expressions to calculate total costs accurately.
Strand D4: Discuss results considering the context.
Analyze which ticket combination offers the best value and reflect on discount effects.
Reflection on ATL Skill: Transfer
After completing the task, students can reflect on their use of transfer skills with questions such as:
How did the mathematical concepts I learned in class help me solve a real-world problem involving ticket pricing?
Can I think of other areas or subjects where understanding discounts and constructing algebraic expressions might be useful?
How can I apply the strategies I used in this task to other situations outside of mathematics?
By integrating transfer skills into this task, students are encouraged to recognize the wide applicability of their learning, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the relevance of mathematics in everyday life.
Objective:
Students will apply their understanding of constructing and substituting into algebraic expressions to solve real-world problems related to motorbike performance and fuel efficiency.
Scenario:
You are a mechanical engineer working for a motorbike manufacturing company. Your team is developing a new model, the TurboMax 5000. You need to calculate various performance metrics to ensure the motorbike is fuel-efficient and has good acceleration.
How do we choose the axioms underlying mathematics? Is this an act of faith?
“Mathematics is the language with which God wrote the Universe” – Galileo
TOK concepts: perspectives and evidence.
In contemplating the role of mathematics in understanding the universe, one must navigate a complex landscape of philosophical inquiry, scientific discovery, and cognitive theory. The proposition that mathematics might not merely describe the universe but represent the fundamental language or logical system employed by the brain to interact with reality challenges conventional
notions about the nature of mathematics and its relationship to the cosmos.
The following points are discussed with evidences
First-order knowledge questions:
What are the various ways language impacts the understanding of mathematical concepts?
How do mathematical symbols contribute to the precision and clarity of mathematical communication?
In what ways does linguistic variation influence the acquisition of mathematical knowledge across different cultures?
How does the use of different languages affect the interpretation and application of mathematical principles?
What role does symbolic representation play in simplifying complex mathematical ideas?
Second-order knowledge questions:
To what extent does linguistic diversity in mathematics contribute to a deeper appreciation of cultural perspectives in mathematical reasoning?
How can standardized mathematical symbols bridge language barriers and facilitate global mathematical collaboration?
How does the interpretation of mathematical symbols differ based on cultural and linguistic contexts?
How might the development of a universal mathematical language enhance the communication and understanding of mathematical concepts worldwide?
What do we know about rational functions? - This routine helps us to activate our prior knowledge about rational functions, which are functions that can be expressed as a ratio of two polynomials.
What are the key features of rational functions? - This routine helps us to identify the important characteristics of rational functions, such as asymptotes, intercepts, and the behavior of the function as the input variable approaches positive or negative infinity.
How do reciprocal functions relate to rational functions? - This routine helps us to make connections between rational functions and their reciprocal functions, which are functions that can be expressed as 1 over the original function.
What is the general form of a reciprocal function? - This routine prompts us to recall the general form of a reciprocal function, which is y = 1/x.
How do the graphs of rational and reciprocal functions differ? - This routine encourages us to compare and contrast the graphs of rational and reciprocal functions, noting similarities and differences in their behavior.
What real-world situations can be modeled using rational and reciprocal functions? - This routine prompts us to think about real-world scenarios that can be described using these types of functions, such as the spread of disease or the movement of celestial bodies.
What are some common misconceptions about rational and reciprocal functions? - This routine helps us to identify common misunderstandings or errors that people may have when working with these functions.
What strategies can we use to solve problems involving rational and reciprocal functions? - This routine prompts us to think about problem-solving techniques, such as graphing or algebraic manipulation, that can be used to analyze and solve problems involving these functions.
How can we apply our understanding of rational and reciprocal functions in other contexts? - This routine encourages us to reflect on the broader applications of our knowledge, such as in fields like engineering, economics, or physics.
Exam-style questions on complex numbers in the IB Mathematics curriculum often cover a range of topics, testing both theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills. Here are some typical types of questions you might encounter.
This worksheet structure should help students practice applying the binomial theorem, understanding binomial coefficients, and exploring related concepts
IB MYP Key Concept:
Relationships: The task explores the relationship between time and the amount of water left in the washing machine. It also focuses on the behavior of the rational function as it approaches certain values, showing how changes in one variable (time) impact another (water volume).
Related Concepts:
Model: The rational function serves as a mathematical model that simulates a real-world process (draining water from a washing machine).
Change: The task explores how the quantity of water changes over time and how this change is represented in the graph of the rational function.
Global Context:
Scientific and Technical Innovation: This task connects to understanding scientific principles (like the rate of change in processes) and how mathematical modeling helps us understand real-world technical systems, such as household appliances.
Statement of Inquiry:
Mathematical models help us understand and represent changes in real-world systems over time, allowing us to predict and analyze behaviors such as water drainage in technological devices.
Real-Life Math Investigation: Modeling Tides with Sinusoidal Functions (MYP Years 4-5)
Product Description:
Engage your IB MYP Mathematics students with this comprehensive investigation that explores the fascinating world of sinusoidal functions through real-life scenarios like tidal movements in a harbor. This ready-to-use task is designed for students in Years 4-5, helping them deepen their understanding of mathematical modeling, trigonometric functions, and real-world applications.
What’s Included:
Student Task Sheet: A well-structured investigation that guides students step by step through modeling tides using sinusoidal functions. The scenario is designed to be relatable and practical.
Detailed Answer Key: Complete solutions with clear explanations for all tasks, ensuring teachers can quickly assess student work or guide students through the process.
Graphing Instructions: Step-by-step guide on how to plot sinusoidal graphs related to the task, making it easy for students to visualize their solutions.
Extension Task: A challenging bonus activity that pushes students to extend their thinking and apply their knowledge in a more complex scenario, encouraging critical thinking and deeper mathematical exploration.
Criterion A, C, D Descriptors: Pre-written task-specific descriptors for IB MYP Criteria A (Knowing and Understanding), C (Communicating), and D (Applying Mathematics in Real-Life Contexts), making it easy for teachers to assess student performance using IB guidelines.
Key Concepts and IB Framework:
Key Concept: Relationships – Explore how mathematical relationships (such as those between time and tidal height) can model real-world phenomena.
Related Concepts: Models, Approximation – Use mathematical models to approximate periodic real-life changes.
Global Context: Scientific and Technical Innovation – Investigate how mathematical modeling supports scientific understanding of natural cycles.
Statement of Inquiry: “How can mathematical models using sinusoidal functions help predict and understand periodic changes, such as tidal movements?”