This discussion of cyclic patterns that appear in repeating decimals includes the use of the calculator in discovering the patterns. (MP)

Repeating decimals are used as a source for geometric patterns. Ways for generating patterns focus on dividing a circle into certain numbers of equal parts and interpreting the decimal expansions of certain fractions in terms of connecting sequences of points. Suggestions for possible expansions are given. (MP)

Three examples are given in which students create their own Logo software to explore the topics of number patterns and operations, fractions, and decimal parts in measurement. (MNS)

Presents an activity that involves drawing pictures to collect data, conjecturing a recurrence relation, and solving the relation using geometric series and partial fractions. (MKR)

Mechanical devices offer an alternative to computers to explore mathematical concepts in different curricula areas. Described is the discograph, a series of pulleys and wheels, that can be used to teach mathematical principles in pattern drawing, locus, rotation in geared systems, gearing, rotational symmetry, regular plane figures, decimal, and…

Uses pattern blocks to model basic parts-of-a-whole fraction concepts. Suggests that students reflect these models in oral, written, pictorial, and symbolic representations. (MKR)

Explores the number problem of writing an expression for each of the unit fractions using any digit exactly four times. Includes tables of expressions for unit fractions. (MKR)

This book uses foods as catalysts for learning mathematical concepts. Each hands-on activity in this math center suggests accessible, healthful, and easy-to-prepare foods to be used in school or at home. An introduction to parents and teachers includes supplies list, gobble-up germs poster, and food guide pyramid and serving information. The…

Describes two activities for developing computational skills, discovering patterns, checking answers, and factoring quadratics and equivalent fractions. Provides worksheets for the activities. (YP)

The number concepts of greatest common divisor and least common multiple are related to star patterns created through line designs. (JT)

Activities designed for use with middle-school students to help them discover intriguing number patterns and practice their arithmetic skills with fractions are presented. It is felt that work with repeating number patterns should be both fun and instructive for middle-school and prealgebra students at all development levels. (MP)

This document is a collection of activity-based mathematics lessons for grades 5-8 from the "Ideas" department in "Arithmetic Teacher: Mathematics Education through the Middle Grades." Each lesson includes background information, objectives, directions, extensions, and student worksheets. A matrix is included which correlates…

A visual model of fractions, the tower of bars, is used to discover patterns. Examples include equalities, inequalities, sums of unit fractions, sums of differences, symmetry, and differences and products. Infinite sequences of numbers, infinite series, and concepts of limits can be introduced. (DC)

Discusses 4 numerical patterns occurring in the decimal expansions of 2 raised to a negative exponent. Includes two row patterns, one diagonal pattern, and a pattern in the sum of the digits of the expansions. Conjectures are presented for each pattern and subsequently proved. (MDH)

This document presents activities for use by middle school teachers which show how rational numbers and proportions are present in many real-world situations, including the collection and analysis of fractions, ratios, percents, and proportions, as well as rational number connections with geometry and similarity. The activities are divided into…