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Tirman, Alvin – Mathematics Teacher, 1986
Three theorems for Pythagorean triples are presented, with discussion of how students can amend their ideas about such numbers. (MNS)
Descriptors: Error Patterns, Geometric Concepts, Learning Activities, Mathematics Instruction
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O'Neill, M. J. – Australian Mathematics Teacher, 1986
Some limitations of computing with calculators and computers are described, with particular reference to typical computations which might be performed by senior secondary school students. Types of errors, the laws of number, and intermediate round-offs are each illustrated, with conclusions and implications. (MNS)
Descriptors: Calculators, Computation, Computer Oriented Programs, Error Patterns
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Cox, Christopher J. – Mathematics in School, 1983
Ten examples of when the sequences of key presses given in calculator instruction booklets are either inefficient or lead to an incorrect answer are given. (MNS)
Descriptors: Calculators, Computation, Elementary School Mathematics, Elementary Secondary Education
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Simon, Stephen D. – Mathematics and Computer Education, 1987
Numerical inaccuracies, which occur in many ordinary computations, can create serious problems and render answers meaningless. Cancellation and accumulation errors are described, and suggestions for experimentation are discussed. (MNS)
Descriptors: College Mathematics, Computer Software, Error Patterns, Higher Education
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Calegari, Jim – Australian Mathematics Teacher, 1983
Helping students understand the round-off error is the focus. A computer program for Fibonacci numbers illustrates the point, which is then described mathematically. (MNS)
Descriptors: Algebra, Computer Programs, Error Patterns, Estimation (Mathematics)
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Dubinsky, Ed – Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 1987
Why students have difficulty with a proof (such as Cantor's) is discussed, with the focus on proof by contradiction. Methods may fail due to the difficulty of the concept and lack of understanding of how students are thinking. (MNS)
Descriptors: Concept Formation, Diagnostic Teaching, Error Patterns, Mathematics Instruction
Johnson, Ellie – Focus on Learning Problems in Mathematics, 1985
Illustrated first is the case in which a wrong procedure (with fractions) leads to a correct result. Trying to justify why it works in this case and looking for similar patterns involved interesting algebraic considerations as well as use of computers. (MNS)
Descriptors: Algebra, Computer Software, Diagnostic Teaching, Educational Research
Borasi, Raffaella – Focus on Learning Problems in Mathematics, 1985
A series of common misconceptions with regard to infinite sets is considered. Several notions of infinite numbers proposed by different mathematicians are compared. It is argued that so-called errors should rather be called alternative conceptions. (MNS)
Descriptors: Diagnostic Teaching, Educational Research, Error Patterns, History
Benander, Lynn; Clement, John – 1985
This booklet is a catalog of error patterns found in basic arithmetic and algebra courses. It is intended to be used as a resource by instructors and tutors teaching these concepts. The material is divided into major concept headings with subheadings. The error patterns are named and given a brief general description followed by a specific example…
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Algebra, Arithmetic, Elementary Education
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Mathematics Teacher, 1986
Brief articles are included on exploring mathematical patterns, with two computer programs listed for finding happy numbers; a simple periodic function in trigonometry; and comments on humorous student errors. (MNS)
Descriptors: College Mathematics, Computer Software, Error Patterns, Functions (Mathematics)