Exploring Beautiful Mathematics with GXWeb and Jigsaws
Channel: Compass Learning Technologies
Date: 2021-08-19

I am probably not alone in rediscovering the small joys offered by games and puzzles (including online ones) under lockdown.

Jigsaws, in particular, are proving popular in my house, and it occurred to me that perhaps they present an interesting opportunity for students to engage in some beautiful mathematics.

So, armed with my favourite free browser-based tool, GXWeb, I chose a rich topic from each of algebra, number theory and geometry and set out to build some interactive jigsaw puzzles.

https://compasstech.com.au/gxwjigsaw/index.html

A little about GXWeb…

The free little sister of the wonderful Geometry Expressions from Saltire Software, GXWeb offers three significant features (in addition to being, you know, free and available on any screen with a browser and internet connection!).

- GXWeb offers constraint-based dynamic geometry, making it powerful, simple to use and the perfect tool for anyone to build both geometric constructions AND mathematical models.
- GXWeb uniquely is built upon a foundation of computer algebra, working as easily with variables as with numeric values.
- Once you have built an interactive GXWeb document, it can be instantly saved as a live web page!