Analysing the Different Approaches in Mathematics and Informatics for Solving a Task and Educational Implications

Ingrid Nagyová

doi:10.15388/infedu.2018.04

Abstract

The paper focuses on the parallels, which are rooted in the simultaneous development of mathematics and informatics. Both mathematics and informatics are based on problem-solving. However, the approaches to determining problems, solution techniques and interpretation of results are different. The paper shows different approaches of mathematics and informatics for solving a simple problem from the informatics competition. It was presented for students, who would be future informatics teachers, and it has become the beginning of the discovery of unexpected relationships and rules' chain, the source of successive tasks, and various methods of their solution. The paper brings the results of the constructivist teaching of students in the form of a fictional interview of mathematician and informatician. Fictional cooperation of a mathematician and an informatician in analysing and solving problems will allow for a detailed analysis and comparison of both fields, which will lead to determining both common and different elements.

Highlights

Mathematics can be characterized from various perspectives – as a science, a technique, or even an art
The mathematician tries to look at the problem from different angles, by asking the following questions: If one solution is already known, are there more solutions? If there is a solution for cars of one colour, can solutions for different colour distribution be found? What is the relation between the number of solutions for n, n – 1 and n – 2 of cars in the garage? The mathematician tries to find relations between phenomena, draws conclusions, and proves the statements
Acquiring and processing large amounts of data in a short period enables the informatician to make conclusions, giving them an advantage over the mathematician who would need much more time. Both mathematics and informatics deal with problem-solving

Summary

Introduction

Mathematics can be characterized from various perspectives – as a science, a technique, or even an art. According to Kuřina (2008), solving mathematical tasks and problems using mathematical tools and techniques is the foundation of good school mathematics

Nagyová

Discussion

74 Conclusion