MTE1501
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
DUE: 16 JULY 2025
,MTE1501 Assignment 3 2025
Contributes 30% to final pass mark
Unique Number: 212545
Due date: 15 July 2025 at 11:30
3.1 LU1: MATHEMATICS IN SOCIETY
Read section 1.3.1: Defining Mathematics - in your study guide and provide the
differences between the three views used to outline the mathematics
consideration.
1. Instrumentalist View (Toolbox View)
This view sees mathematics as a toolbox. It focuses on rules, formulas, and procedures
that are used to solve problems. People who see mathematics this way believe
Mathematics is a set of instruments or tools for doing calculations and solving problems.
The main goal is to get the correct answer using the right formula.
There is one correct way to solve each problem.
For example solving a math problem by applying a known formula without
understanding why the formula works. (MTE1501/1, 2024:31)
2. Platonist View (Mathematics as a Discovery)
In this view, mathematics is seen as a body of knowledge that exists independently of
human thought, and people discover it. Mathematics is considered
, Logical, structured, and universal.
Made up of fixed truths that can be discovered through reasoning.
About understanding and discovering mathematical relationships and patterns.
For example a learner discovering that the angles of a triangle always add up to 180°
through exploration and reasoning. (MTE1501/1, 2024:31)
3. Problem-Solving View (Mathematics as a Human Activity)
This view sees mathematics as something that is created by humans to solve problems.
It focuses on:
Solving real-world problems.
Using creative thinking, exploring, and reasoning.
Understanding how mathematical ideas are developed and applied in different
situations.
For example learners working together to find different ways to divide a pizza fairly.
(MTE1501/1, 2024:31)
3.2 LU2: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATHEMATICS
3.2.1 Read section 2.6: Mathematics as a science based on order and pattern.
Choose a topic that will be able to show knowledge and understanding of
connections across three or more content areas. If the topic is not showing
knowledge, understanding, and connections across all five content areas, you
can select only two topics and show how they connect in terms of other
concepts’ knowledge.
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
DUE: 16 JULY 2025
,MTE1501 Assignment 3 2025
Contributes 30% to final pass mark
Unique Number: 212545
Due date: 15 July 2025 at 11:30
3.1 LU1: MATHEMATICS IN SOCIETY
Read section 1.3.1: Defining Mathematics - in your study guide and provide the
differences between the three views used to outline the mathematics
consideration.
1. Instrumentalist View (Toolbox View)
This view sees mathematics as a toolbox. It focuses on rules, formulas, and procedures
that are used to solve problems. People who see mathematics this way believe
Mathematics is a set of instruments or tools for doing calculations and solving problems.
The main goal is to get the correct answer using the right formula.
There is one correct way to solve each problem.
For example solving a math problem by applying a known formula without
understanding why the formula works. (MTE1501/1, 2024:31)
2. Platonist View (Mathematics as a Discovery)
In this view, mathematics is seen as a body of knowledge that exists independently of
human thought, and people discover it. Mathematics is considered
, Logical, structured, and universal.
Made up of fixed truths that can be discovered through reasoning.
About understanding and discovering mathematical relationships and patterns.
For example a learner discovering that the angles of a triangle always add up to 180°
through exploration and reasoning. (MTE1501/1, 2024:31)
3. Problem-Solving View (Mathematics as a Human Activity)
This view sees mathematics as something that is created by humans to solve problems.
It focuses on:
Solving real-world problems.
Using creative thinking, exploring, and reasoning.
Understanding how mathematical ideas are developed and applied in different
situations.
For example learners working together to find different ways to divide a pizza fairly.
(MTE1501/1, 2024:31)
3.2 LU2: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATHEMATICS
3.2.1 Read section 2.6: Mathematics as a science based on order and pattern.
Choose a topic that will be able to show knowledge and understanding of
connections across three or more content areas. If the topic is not showing
knowledge, understanding, and connections across all five content areas, you
can select only two topics and show how they connect in terms of other
concepts’ knowledge.
