%0 Conference Paper %1 bergsten-trying %A Bergsten, Christer %B Proceedings of the 30th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education %C Prague, Czech Republic July 16-21 %D 2006 %K algebra learning limit mathematics postviva reasoning %P 153-160 %T Trying to reach the limit--The role of algebra in mathematical reasoning %U http://eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/29/8c/0d.pdf#page=161 %V 2 %X In this paper the role of algebra in students’ mathematical reasoning about limits of functions in undergraduate mathematics is analysed, considering the students’ educational setting. Data from a video study where six students worked in pairs to solve problems on limits of functions, and an analysis of their calculus lectures, indicate that algebra is at the same time a key and a lock to reach the limit in these problems. This double effect is related to the mathematical organisation taught, as well as the students’ sense of authority as internal or external.

@inproceedings{bergsten-trying, abstract = {In this paper the role of algebra in students’ mathematical reasoning about limits of functions in undergraduate mathematics is analysed, considering the students’ educational setting. Data from a video study where six students worked in pairs to solve problems on limits of functions, and an analysis of their calculus lectures, indicate that algebra is at the same time a key and a lock to reach the limit in these problems. This double effect is related to the mathematical organisation taught, as well as the students’ sense of authority as internal or external.}, added-at = {2009-10-13T13:31:56.000+0200}, address = {Prague, Czech Republic July 16-21}, author = {Bergsten, Christer}, biburl = {https://www.bibsonomy.org/bibtex/28fe97e8c081768e8c964b0efc7318b4f/yish}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 30th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education}, interhash = {fce73dea52c0843b428602d6f2b088e7}, intrahash = {8fe97e8c081768e8c964b0efc7318b4f}, keywords = {algebra learning limit mathematics postviva reasoning}, pages = {153-160}, timestamp = {2009-10-13T13:31:57.000+0200}, title = {Trying to reach the limit--The role of algebra in mathematical reasoning}, url = {http://eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/29/8c/0d.pdf#page=161}, volume = 2, year = 2006 }