The use of spreadsheet in number pattern investigation

Abstract

This paper describes an action research study looking at primary six pupils using spreadsheets to investigate the last digit of the results of natural numbers which are raised to any whole number exponent. The teacher worked with 2 primary six classes of 18 and 19 pupils in the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). The pupils worked in pairs, each pair was given a laptop. The study showed that pupils were able to analyse and make conjectures regarding the cyclic patterns of the numbers generated in the investigation. The teacher facilitated the discussion among the pupils. The paper discusses the implications of the use of spreadsheets in the teaching and learning of mathematics and mathematical investigations among high ability primary pupils.