Blending algebra and geometry: An approach to high school math slowly gains favor

Blending algebra and geometry: An approach to high school math slowly gains favor

In James Bell’s math class at Chapman High School, sophomores are trying to pinpoint exactly where two lines cross. The students in this rural Kansas high school already solved for that meeting point in previous lessons, using graphs and other techniques. But this recent lesson shows them how to use a matrix — a box made up of rows and columns representing a system of equations. Matrices are often used in engineering or video game design to calc…