Introduction
- Author:
- Irina Boyadzhiev
GeoGebra Global Gathering 2015
Irina Boyadzhiev boyadzhiev.1@osu.edu
“Proofs without words are generally pictures or diagrams that help the reader see why a particular mathematical statement may be true, and how one could try to prove it. While in some proofs without words an equation or two may appear to help guide that process, the emphasis is clearly on providing visual clues to stimulate mathematical thought”. [“Proofs Without Words” by Roger Nelsen] Proofs without words (PWW) have been around for centuries. With the development of computer technologies, many classical PWW were given a new life. Static diagrams became animated and interactive. These dynamic proofs without words (DPWW) give students an opportunity to see mathematics as more believable and enjoyable. Through them, students learn to appreciate and seek elegant visual solutions of mathematical problems. In this presentation I will show ways in which GeoGebra can be used to create dynamic proofs without words. We will consider examples from very elementary through more advanced geometry. We shall see also examples of finding finite and infinite sums.