Mathematical Narratives, Modeling, and Algebra

Abstract

The construction of mathematical narratives is at the heart of modeling. This chapter explores the connections between algebra learning and the process of narrative construction. The first major section introduces the notion of mathematical narratives in the context of narratives in general. The next section describes and analyzes the work of high school students in episodes that exemplify three aspects of narrative construction: repair, playing out, and idealization. The last section focuses on the relationship between mathematical narratives and the early introudction of algebra.