WAYS TO GO

 

GOALS

1.      Read, interpret, and create a variety of maps, including scale maps.

2.      Draw, create, and interpret finite graphs and matrices.

3.      Use organized strategies to count the number of outcomes.

4.      Calculate the probability of a simple event and predict an expected value.

5.      Explore and compare different representations for distances and recognize the advantages and disadvantages.

6.      Understand the relationship between a finite graph and a corresponding matrix.

7.      Solve simple problems using graphs and/or connectivity matrices.

8.      Solve simple problems using organized counting strategies, tree diagrams, and chance trees.

9.      Organize information and use smart counting techniques to solve combinatorial problems.

10.  Model real-life situations.

11.  Take a critical attitude toward the use of mathematical models.

 

SECTION SUMMARIES

 

SECTION A:  Maps & Graphs

1.       Models differ in how closely they resemble reality.

2.       We considered distances from three perspectives: driving distance; driving time; and as-the-crow-flies.

3.       It is possible to draw maps to scale reflecting each of the above distances.

4.       Maps are usually drawn with cities in accurate geographical locations representing as-the-crow-flies distances.  To make maps to scale for driving distances, you may have to change the locations of the cities.

 

SECTION B:  Connections

1.       Graphs and matrices are two ways of representing information.  A graph can be associated with a connectivity matrix.

2.       Graphs are considered the same if their connections are the same, even if the points are in different places.

3.       The degree of connectivity is a measure of how connected a graph is and is determined with this formula:

Degree of connectivity = Number of edges divided by Maximum number of edges possible.

4.       In a maximally connected graph, there is an edge connecting every point to every other point.

5.       The degree of connectivity of a maximally connected graph is 100%.

6.       A minimally connected graph has just enough edges so that you can get from any point to any other point eventually.

 

SECTION C:   How Many Ways

      1.    In many cases, the number of possibilities is so big that you need a systematic way to find all of them.

      2.    Using letters is a convenient way to keep track of a possible route.

      3.    A tree diagram can also be helpful to determine the total number of choices or possiblities.

      4.    Tree diagrams are also used to describe pairing possibilities for tournaments.

 

SECTION D:   Chance Trees

      1.    In this section you extended the chance tree to include the probability of two or more events occurring.

      2.    The chance of an event occurring = # of time an event occurs divided by total # of possible events.

      3.    If the chance that a single car will head toward D is 1/5, or 0.2, this ratio is referred to as the probability

that a single car will turn toward point D.  This probability is commonly written as p = 1/5 (as a fraction).