Set Partitions and the Multiplication Principle. Issue 2 (7th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lockwood, Elise; Caughman, John S.
• Is Part Of: PRIMUS. Volume 26:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 143
• Page End: 157
• Publication Date: 2016-02-07
• Subjects: Combinatorics -- multiplication principle -- discrete mathematics -- counting problems; Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; 510.711
• DOI: 10.1080/10511970.2015.1072118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1051-1970

Abstract

Abstract: To further understand student thinking in the context of combinatorial enumeration, we examine student work on a problem involving set partitions. In this context, we note some key features of the multiplication principle that were often not attended to by students. We also share a productive way of thinking that emerged for several students who were then able to resolve the issues in question. We conclude with pedagogical implications.