Mathematics

Maths and cooking – what do they have in common?

by Helen Kerr-Lawley and Amy Byrne, teachers of Mathematics

The Year 8 Mathematics classes this term have been working on our second unit for the year called Making Things Simpler. At first we focused on algebra – making algebraic expressions simpler – which involved learning some algebraic terminology, substitution of variables, working with formulas and simplifying expressions. The students also learned how to expand and factorize algebraic expressions and how these processes can be seen as ‘two sides of a single coin’.

At present, the students are still learning about how to 'make things simpler' by using ratios; fortunately, this has also included how to 'make things tastier' since they were able to apply their understanding of ratios to recipes and cooking! This was a fun and practical way to help everyone understand the importance of ratios by keeping ingredients in the correct proportion – otherwise: disaster!

We are pleased to report that there were no disasters last Tuesday or Wednesday, however, when each of our classes got into the kitchen to make pancakes. The students were given a recipe for a set amount of ingredients and servings and had to work out the correct proportions of each in order to make the required number of pancakes for their class.

The kitchen was abuzz with mathematical and culinary chatter as we also had to consider the rate at which the pancakes were being made so that there would be enough time to eat and enjoy them before the end of the lesson. All appetites were satisfied in the end and we each had a very successful and delicious Maths class!

Next up, we are looking at petals, pineapples and pine cones as we discover the Fibonacci sequence and contemplate the Golden Ratio.