Project Title Chain Rule by CF-Cubes
Project Category Innovation
Abstract The chain rule is a fundamental concept of calculus. However, it is an inherently difficult concept for many students. The key reasons for difficulties in learning chain rule include inadequate understanding of the concept of function, unable to compose and decompose function, and weak in memorizing the basic formula and rules of differentiation. Therefore, a Changeable Function Cube (CF-cube) by filling a small box into medium box concept is proposed as a learning and teaching chain rule platform. It used the concept of visualization, recognizing and differentiating the composite function gradually by putting the small function into the medium function. Differentiation of composite function can be checked through decompose function by differentiating of the medium function (applied to the small function) and multiplying it times the differentiating of the small function. Six cubes were inserted with the 12 forms of basic formulae of differentiation and different function types including 5 forms of polynomial functions, 1 form of exponentials functions, 1 form of natural logarithm functions, and 6 forms of trigonometric functions. Three stages were conducted and were practiced for 5 weeks. Stages 1, 2 cubes embedded with basic formula functions were rolled and students were asked to differentiate them. Stage 2, 4 cubes in 2 sizes embedded with selected family functions were rolled and students were asked to compose functions and differentiate the composite functions and finalize their differentiation by chaining together with differentiating of decomposed function. Stage 3, 6 cubes consisted of 2 formula cubes and 4 function cubes were rolled and students were asked to complete and differentiate composite functions. Stage 1 is helping students to recall and enhance their memory of basic formula of differentiation. Stage 2 and 3 are assisting students to improve their problem-solving skills through constructing and differentiating composite functions and hence, deepen their understanding of chain rule
Validation Status Validated
Validation Date 2019-02-27

 

Staff Status
Jong Li Ling Leader

 

Event Name Event Date Event Level Achievement Event Venue
Invention, Innovation & Design (IID) and Sarawak Invention, Innovation & Design (SIIDEx) Pre-Selection 2018 2018-08-06 Campus Participation DJ, UiTM Cawangan Sarawak
Invention, Innovation and Design Exposition (iidex) 2018 2018-09-24 National Bronze DATC, UiTM SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR