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Sally is enrolled in a high school geometry course, which she describes as "drawing figures and figuring drawings." In a typical class, students draw geometric figures and use a formula to calculate an aspect of the figure such as its area. Each time Sally uses a formula she is making use of what psychologists call __________

a.heuristics.
b.logarithms.
c.algorithms.
d.convergence.

User Leepowell
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Final answer:

Sally is making use of algorithms when she uses formulas to calculate aspects of geometric figures in her high school geometry course. An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions used to solve a problem or task, which is what she's employing by following geometric formulas.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Sally uses a formula to calculate aspects of a geometric figure, according to the psychological terms presented in the options, she is making use of algorithms. An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions or rules to follow in order to solve a problem or complete a task. This is distinct from heuristics, which are mental shortcuts that can speed up problem-solving but are not guaranteed to be optimal or perfect. Logarithms are mathematical operations, not problem-solving processes, and convergence refers to the tendency of different elements to come together, which doesn't apply in this context.

The educational philosophy implied here emphasizes the importance of understanding concepts rather than simply memorizing formulas. Students who deeply grasp the principles underlying mathematical formulas are better equipped to apply these concepts in flexible and innovative ways, which is a more enduring form of knowledge than rote memorization.

User Eli Korvigo
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