Deal Up a Compound Sentence Topic Index | Geometry Index | Regents Exam Prep Center

Prepare two sets of cards (3 x 5 cards work nicely)  that can be used to practice the truth value of compound sentences.

Prepare sentences of differing truth values.  For example:

• Two sides of an isosceles triangle are congruent (equal). (TRUE)

• 2x + 4 = 11 when x = 5 (FALSE)

• The opposite sides of a parallelogram are parallel. (TRUE)

• 3(5) = 5(3) (TRUE)

• The truth value of a compound sentence is always false. (FALSE)

• **Have students submit their own sentences the day before the activity.  It can be a "modified mathematical" trivial pursuit, if you wish.

The actual truth value of each statement can be placed on the back of each card.  It would be better, however, to let the pair or group decide upon the truth value of the sentence.
 

For example:

• If fact 1, then fact 2 or fact 3.

• (fact 1 and fact 2) or fact 3

• fact 1 if and only if fact 2

• (fact 1 and fact 2) or (the negation of fact 1 and fact 3)

• Students work in pairs (or in groups).

• Deal out a certain number of "sentence" cards (approximately 6) to each pair or group.

• Deal out a certain number of "logic" cards (approximately 6) to each pair of group.

• Students "deal" out a logic card.  If the card shows fact 1, fact 2 and fact 3, the students then "deal" out 3 of the sentence cards.

• Students must record their compound sentence and determine its truth value.

• Each student must record his/her work for submission.  A prepared answer sheet may be used, if you wish to help organize the students' work.

• Students continue "dealing" until all of the logic cards have been exhausted.  The sentence cards are reused for each hand.

If you are "cramped" for prep time, prepare only ONE set of cards and duplicate the cards on a copy machine to be used by all of the pairs or groups.  The students can cut the cards apart or a paper cutter does a quick job of forming the cards.