Pedagogically Inconvenient Functions for Teaching Transformations. (1st May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abel, Todd; Brazas, Jeremy
• Is Part Of: College mathematics journal. Volume 47:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 200
• Page End: 206
• Publication Date: 2016-05-01
• Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Mathematics -- Periodicals; Mathematics; Mathematics -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 510.071
• DOI: 10.4169/college.math.j.47.3.200
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0746-8342

Abstract

Summary: Pedagogically inconvenient functions are those that look the same under two different types of transformations. We characterize those functions that look the same under vertical and horizontal stretches. In the continuous case, this leads to an expected conclusion; in the noncontinuous case, it does not. Though the question is quite simple and accessible, a full characterization leads us in some surprising mathematical directions.