Publication Date
2007
Abstract
This paper describes a procedure employing basic relational concepts (analogous to certain matrix algebra concepts), but structured by a simple formula register and using only middle school arithmetic to balance chemical equations ranging from easy to moderate to difficult redox reactions. This procedure allows average students and below average students to experience ready success in balancing, thus avoiding a traditional source of frustration and failure which might contribute to their losing interest in chemistry. One interesting serendipity of this procedure is how quickly it turns able pre-matrix students into extremely fast and accurate balaneers.
Volume
9
Issue
1
First Page
119
Last Page
133
Rights
© Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.25891/WGXS-NZ41
Recommended Citation
Hutchings, L.; Peterson, L.; and Almasude, A.
(2007)
"Pre-Matrix Balancing of Challenging Chemical Equations with a Simple Formula Register and Middle School Arithmetic,"
Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations: Vol. 9:
No.
1, Article 19.
Available at:
https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/jmsce_vamsc/vol9/iss1/19
Included in
Higher Education Commons, Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons