Web-based Practice
Pascal's Triangle by NLVM
Subject
Math, Science & Technology
Virtual Manipulative
Click here for this interactive resource.
Description
Few constructions arise in so many different contexts or are more fertile in terms of providing stimulating questions at many levels than Pascal's Triangle of Binomial Coefficients. This array of numbers was certainly studied by Pascal, but properties and portions of it were familiar to the Babylonians and the Chinese many hundreds of years before Pascal.
Traditionally, Pascal's Triangle appears in algebra and pre-calculus courses in connection with the expansion of binomials, and it is a key topic in combinatorics, number theory, and probability courses as well. There is no need, though, to wait for formal treatment. The patterns and fascination offer abundant enrichment opportunities for the curious individual or for class exploration.
Content Provider
The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives is a three-year NSF supported project to develop a library of uniquely interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials, mostly in the form of Java applets, for mathematics instruction (K-8 emphasis). The project includes dissemination and extensive internal and external evaluation. For more information, please visit http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html.
Credits
Principal Investigators
Larry Cannon
Jim Dorward
Bob Heal
Leo Edwards
Java Applet Programming
Ethy Cannon
Joel Duffin
David Stowell
Zeke Susman
Richard Wellman
Jennifer Youngberg
Web Site Programming
Joel Duffin
