Reflections on the study of systems of linear equations in engineering education mediated by GeoGebra

Abstract

The importance of studying basic topics in Linear Algebra within the curricula of various engineering disciplines is recognized by national and international organizations. Topics such as systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, and linear transformations can be found in the core curriculum for engineering programs; this is due not only to their wide applicability but also because they are considered a gateway to developing mathematical thinking skills such as generalization and abstraction. Furthermore, research on the learning and teaching of mathematics highlights the need to work in the classroom under new assumptions and to integrate new support tools for teaching. In this context, a learning activity is designed that can be proposed at the beginning of the study of systems of linear equations. It is characterized by arising from the presentation of a situation that addresses a traffic flow problem in a sector of a city; it utilizes a GeoGebra applet, accompanied by a series of questions intended to promote understanding of the problem. Moreover, the experience generated is considered to play an important role in constructing the system of linear equations that models it.