The engagement with a fascinating geometric problem involving the creation of a three-dimensional solid model can be traced back to the 18th century: The goal is to find a solid that has a circular base, looks like a triangle from one side, and like a square from the other. This problem has inspired many mathematicians, such as Georg Pólya in 1966. The appeal of the problem has not diminished over the years, mathematicians and mathematics educators are still engaged with analog or slightly modified versions of the problem. As with historical examples, the problem suggests a unique solution, but many descriptions of solutions to the problem are incomplete, as there are infinitely many solids that meet the required properties. This paper explores how to find different solutions that meet the specified conditions of the geometric problem. It will determine and compare the volumes of two solids that meet these conditions. Furthermore, the advantages of creating analog solid models, as were made in the 18th century, will be discussed in comparison to 3D printed models. This approach can be utilized in various learning environments, leading to an understanding of the problem according to modern problem solving theory in mathematics education.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Solid Geometry Modeling: 3D Printing Is Not Always the Best Option

  • Matthias Müller,
  • Benjamin Weißing,
  • Pascal Lütscher

摘要

The engagement with a fascinating geometric problem involving the creation of a three-dimensional solid model can be traced back to the 18th century: The goal is to find a solid that has a circular base, looks like a triangle from one side, and like a square from the other. This problem has inspired many mathematicians, such as Georg Pólya in 1966. The appeal of the problem has not diminished over the years, mathematicians and mathematics educators are still engaged with analog or slightly modified versions of the problem. As with historical examples, the problem suggests a unique solution, but many descriptions of solutions to the problem are incomplete, as there are infinitely many solids that meet the required properties. This paper explores how to find different solutions that meet the specified conditions of the geometric problem. It will determine and compare the volumes of two solids that meet these conditions. Furthermore, the advantages of creating analog solid models, as were made in the 18th century, will be discussed in comparison to 3D printed models. This approach can be utilized in various learning environments, leading to an understanding of the problem according to modern problem solving theory in mathematics education.