An example of the use of GeoGebra for simulation: Buffon’s needle problem

ABSTRACT

Providing students with the necessary skills to apply mathematical knowledge in real-life situations through mathematical modelling is a common goal of contemporary mathematics curricula. As such, it is important that prospective mathematics teachers develop the ability to design learning environments that serve this purpose in their future teaching. This paper presents an activity presented as part of a course that, among other outcomes, aimed to establish awareness in mathematics teacher candidates of the potential use of computers in mathematical modelling. The activity included an experimental investigation of Buffon’s needle problem. The steps used to solve the problem using a GeoGebra environment are described in this article.

KEYWORDS:

• Simulation
• mathematical modelling
• Buffon’s needle problem

Disclosure statement

The author hereby declares that he has no affiliations with or involvement in any organization with any financial interest in the subject matter presented in this manuscript.

Notes

1 In GeoGebra, the commands x(P), y(P), and z(P) for a point $P(x_0,y_0,z_0)$ represents the coordinates of P respectively.

2 The analytic solution can be found in McCartney (2017).