Modelagem Matemática na Escola básica como uma metodologia facilitadora e incentivadora na aprendizagem: Função Afim, um caso de estudo

Abstract

During the teaching years in high school, I have shared the difficulties faced by students regarding the understanding of the theme ‘function’. Such difficulties inevitably influence the comprehension of others Mathematical topics and some related subjects that depend on the proper construction and understanding of functions. In this sense, this dissertation proposes the use of Mathematical Modeling as a work methodology and as a facilitating and encouraging agent in the study of functions. As an example of a topic to be studied, we chose the Affine function, which in despite of its simplicity can become an important tool in modeling problem situations in our daily lives. For this purpose, we suggest an activity related to the choice of the best transport Apps among three companies available in the city. This activity focuses on the basic principles of mathematical modeling, from the choice of the theme and the hypotheses elaborated in the research process, until obtaining an Affine Function that models the expense of each student when using the apps as a means of transport. At the end, we conclude our study with a critical analysis of the results found. This activity was developed with the intention of motivating students, taking advantage of the interest that the theme can instigate, in a process that will help them to consolidate the function concept. In addition, we believe that this methodology contributes to autonomy in thinking and building students own strategies to solve problems. The proposed activity was elaborate and developed at a school in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and in spite of the simplicity of the theme, it was applied to students in the third grade of high school. In fact, this activity, is quite suitable for students from other grades, just assuming that they have already built basic concepts involved in suggested theme