Writing Notebook

Standard: AII.2
The student will perform operations on complex numbers and express the results in simplest
form using patterns of the power of i.

Liz Kidd
 This writing notebook corresponds with Virginia standard AII.2; the student will perform
operations on complex numbers and express the results in simplest form using patterns of the
power of i. I chose this standard for its interesting purpose in the real world and advanced
mathematics, and since it tends to stand apart from the other standards for Algebra 2.
I chose the Ask a Mathematician website for its blog like answer and easy-going tone for
students because it answers the question of why and what we might use complex numbers for in
the real world. One might think an imaginary or complex number doesnt serve a purpose when
it really does; this is to hook them and introduce them to the topic. After reading the article Id
like students to free write what they learned and found interesting; there is no right answer other
than the effort they put forth. I chose free writing because this text source is more of an
introduction and along with writing will get them engaged.
I then chose two sections from Math is Fun because I wanted to refresh/reinforce the
meaning of an imaginary number, then move onto complex numbers and their operations. I chose
a graphic organizer for students to organize their information about an imaginary number. This
will be created by themselves so they can organize what theyve read from the Imaginary
Numbers section into a definition, example, and any other useful information they find. I chose
an exit slip for the Complex number section to recap everything theyve read. Students will
answer on a notecard/piece of paper their own definitions of a real, imaginary, and complex
number, solve (3+2i)(4i2), and what might one use complex numbers for?
After reading these selections students will know roles that complex numbers play in the
real world, understand the components of complex numbers, and be able prepared to do
operations with complex numbers. The most challenging components of these texts would be
understanding new material; students are vaguely familiar with what they are learning/reading.
In the first text students wont be familiar with some of the advanced topics mentioned but the
importance of the material is the forefront of the article. Some confusing features from the
mathisfun cite would include presentation of new material, but the graphic organizer and exit
ticket will inforce students to summarize what theyve learned and be able to represent their
material in an organized fashion.
Non-Fiction Text:
http://www.askamathematician.com/2010/03/q-what-are-complex-numbers-used-for/
Writing Entry: (Free Writing)
Write a short paragraph about what youve read; i.e. what you may take away from this
article and/or found interesting.

Student Sample Entry:

I have always wondered why there wasnt a square root to negative numbers, but Euler
created a number I to represent negative number roots to give us those answers. It makes sense
there would really be three roots to a cube root, they are complex and real answers, like there are
two answers to a square root. Mathematicians, physicists, and scientists use complex numbers to
simplify their equations and formulas, and make their lives easier.

Rubric:
- mentions/refers to nothing from the article (60%)
mentions one key point of the article (80%)
+ mentions more than one key point of the article (100%)
Non-Fiction Text:
https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/imaginary-numbers.html
Writing Entry: (Graphic Organizer)
Assignment: Create your own graphic organizer, include:
Definition
Drawing/Picture/Graph
Example
At least 1 other useful piece of information
Rubric: Checklist:
___ Contains Definition (Correct)
___ Contains at least one example
___ Contains some sort of visual (graph, picture, drawing)
___ Additional useful information (1+)
___ Total out of 100 (25 points each)
Non-Fiction Text:
https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/complex-numbers.html
Writing Entry: (Exit Slip)
Answer the following questions on a notecard
1. In your own words write the definition of a REAL, IMAGINARY, and COMPLEX
number.
2. Solve (3+2i)(4i2)
3. What might one use complex numbers for?

Sample Student Entry:

Student
1. ) REAL number- Any number that is a decimal, fraction, whole, integer, natural, or
Irrational.
IMAGINARY number- i which is the answer to the square root of -1. A square root
to a negative number/ when squared gives a negative number!
COMPLEX number- A combination of a real and imaginary number... ALL
Numbers Can be represented as a complex number.
2. ) (3+2i)(4i2)
12i2 + 8i3
12*-1+ -8i
-12-8i
3. ) Complex numbers can make formulas and equations easier for mathematicians, and
Solve for roots that we couldnt solve for before.

Rubric:
- Answered 1 question (correctly or attempted) (50%)
Answered 2 questions (attempted or correctly answered) (75%)
+ Answered 3 questions (attempted and correctly answered) (100%)
 Annotated Bibliography

Allen, J. (2014). Tools for teaching academic vocabulary. Portland, ME: Stenhouse .

This book covers many different tools for teaching vocabulary, I used the section on graphically
organized learning to create a graphic organizer for imaginary numbers. This page covers how
graphic organizers present more than just a definition but rather a more elaborate/creative visual that
promotes learning.

Fisher, D. (2015). 50 instructional routines to develop content literacy. Boston: Pearson.

This book covers a variety of literacy routines, in particular exit slips/cards/tickets. These slips can
be used a variety of ways: document student learning, evaluate instruction, and as a way to
emphasize students process of learning. Exit slips are typically used as an end of lecture/instruction
activity, thus I used this method to receive necessary feedback.

(n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2017, from https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/complex-

numbers.html

This site is dedicated to high school mathematics subjects and features pages on many content
standards. The complex numbers page introduces complex and imaginary numbers, explanations,
and examples featuring addition and multiplication. As well as some cool examples of complex
numbers being modeled in the Mandelbrot Set.

(n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2017, from https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/imaginary-

numbers.html

This page introduces imaginary numbers along with properties, components, examples, and
explanations. The site is easy to follow featuring many tabs to redirect the user to other pages for
more information.

Q: What are complex numbers used for? (2017, July 18). Retrieved November 28, 2017, from

http://www.askamathematician.com/2010/03/q-what-are-complex-numbers-used-for/

This article on Ask A Mathematician features an answer response from a Physicist on what
imaginary numbers are used for in the real world. Although high school students may not be able to
understand the meanings behind the given formulas and examples the overall importance of
complex and imaginary numbers shines is presented in a fashion that is suitable for high school
students.