Abstract:

Teaching mathematics using programming languages is still relatively at its debut stage in South Africa. Students that are doing Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Electronics Engineering are the ones enjoying the privilege to solve some mathematical problems using programming languages. Pre-service teachers majoring in Mathematics from teacher training institutions do not have such privilege and opportunity. Teaching using simulations play an important role in contemporary teaching and learning of mathematics. Programming languages are being used to help students achieve a deeper understanding of the concept being taught. This is a conceptual study and it seeks to present the possibilities and potentials that Java programming language has in solving simultaneous and quadratic equations of two variables to pre-service teachers majoring in mathematics. It further, gives an insight into solving equations, which could be a challenge in using the normal methods of solving the equations. Java programming codes were used and some explanations were provided to indicate the ease of the code in solving both linear and simultaneous equations. This also provided students the opportunity to explore the other methods that can be used to understand the solving of mathematical linear equations. An interface was designed where students would select the type of equation to be solved, and input the equation(/s) and click the solver button to display the solution. The actual code that solves the equation was explained explicitly for the benefit of the students. The study concludes by emphasizing teaching using coding because this approach is favoured by contemporary industry that demands use of artificial intelligent. Students that are prepared this way, could gain complex skills in solving mathematical problems.

Keywords:

Java programming, liner and simultaneous equations, variables, complex skills.