The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure is written by Hans Magnus Enzensberger and illustrated by Rotraut Susanne Berner. The Number devil is about a boy named Robert who is afraid to do math on his own. Robert tends to dream a lot ,and he is visited by the number devil in his dreams. Throughout the story the number devil teaches him many math terms such as prime numbers, negative numbers, natural numbers, irrational numbers, infinite numbers, and exponentiation. The number devil starts with explaining the number one to robert and gradually explores more concepts as each dream happens. Robert experiences twelve dreams where the number devil teaches him a new math skill in each dream. The number devil uses examples such as Robert's classmates to introduce mathematical concepts. It is later introduced that the name of the Devil is Teplotaxl. By the end of all twelve dreams, Robert is not longer afraid to tackle math on his own and is able to use his math knowledge and experience in class.
In the first chapter, the number devil explains the number one and how if you keep on adding ones together they will eventually make bigger numbers. He later tells Robert to multiply 1 x 1 = 1, then 11 x 11 = 121, then 111 x 111 = 12,231. This is an example of exponential growth .because the larger the numbers would create a larger outcome
I think literature is an effective way to learn mathematical concepts ,because it brings perspective to math. For example, if I were to use a story about candy to explain basic multiplication or addition it creates a world that can be visualized in order for it to relate to a student or young child. Literature can also relate math to real world applications ,so they can show their actual importance instead of just relating to math and that's it.
Paul - you did a really good job at describing how The Number Devil talks about exponential growth. Also I agree with what you said about using literature to teach math and how it is easier to visualize.
ReplyDeleteI like how you say literature gives perspective- totally true!
ReplyDeletepaul,
ReplyDeletegood book selection. one of my favorites! your synopsis is explained well. and you are right that this book discusses the concept of exponential functions, however, the example that you chose is exponential because of the larger outcome but because of a base or growth factor. other than that, good job!
professor little
Love that you used a book to explain the concept!
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