Discusses ways to simulate a probability problem of interest to middle school students in which students calculate the average number of packets of trading cards purchased to obtain a complete set of cards. Simulations utilize a spinner, a table of random numbers, and a computer. Includes the BASIC program utilized in the simulation. (MDH)

Over the past 10 years, national conferences and committees investigating the state of American mathematics education have advocated an increased emphasis on problem solving and mathematical modeling situations in the secondary school curriculum. However, little effort has been made to prepare secondary school teachers to use mathematical modeling…

Described are several programs that enable the user to evaluate derivatives to order n of any elementary function by using the combination of automatic differentiation method and A Programming Language (APL). Programs calculating first- and higher-order derivatives are presented. Selected APL symbols are appended. (YP)

Presents an example of a proof to the mathematical problem of the sum of the cubes of the digits. Provides a Pascal program to search for these results. (MVL)

This is a collection of Pascal programs that were developed for a 1986 National Science Foundation-sponsored high school teachers' summer workshop. The programs can be used as a means of extending or enriching textbook material in either high school mathematics or Pascal courses. Some suggested uses are: (1) teacher demonstrations in mathematics…

Lists a BASIC program which computes the equilibrium constant as a function of temperature. Suggests use by undergraduates taking a one-year calculus-based physical chemistry course. Notes the program provides for up to four species, typically two reactants and two products. (MVL)

In this middle school mathematics unit two imaginary characters, Horatio and Portia, decide to make their fortune in Quincy Market (Boston, Massachusetts) running a Bull Market cart. In order to solve the problems that they encounter, they need to learn ratio and proportion, map reading, estimation, area and perimeter, population sampling, problem…

Presented is an educational game called "The Chaos Game" which produces complicated fractal images. Two basic computer programs are included. The production of fractal images by the Sierpinski gasket and the Chaos Game programs is discussed. (CW)

Discusses dimensionality in Euclidean geometry. Presents methods to produce fractals using LOGO. Uses the idea of self-similarity. Included are program listings and suggested extension activities. (MVL)

Considers activities that use LOGO to slide, turn, and flip the "turtle." Uses non-LOGO tools such as cutouts, pattern blocks, and tangrams to enhance the motion work. Provides examples and programs with explanations. (MVL)

This article discusses the analysis of a decision-making process faced by contestants on the television game show "The Price is Right". The included analyses of the original and related problems concern pattern searching, inductive reasoning, quadratic functions, and graphing. Computer simulation programs in BASIC and tables of…

Uses a LOGO program and probability to solve systems of equations. Provides a physical model and a LOGO model. Lists programs and explains the methodology used. (MVL)

Provides a method to use superscripts and subscripts on the screen by using graphics screen modes. Gives two methods and provides a listing of a sample BASIC program. (MVL)

Proposes an alternative means of approximating the value of complex integrals, the Monte Carlo procedure. Incorporating a discrete approach and probability, an approximation is obtained from the ratio of computer-generated points falling under the curve to the number of points generated in a predetermined rectangle. (MDH)

The purpose of this guide is to provide a resource for teacher use in computer mathematics instruction. Although it is not intended to be used as a textbook or a complete course syllabus, the guide does include a set of student objectives which are designed to define the content of a 1-year course in computer mathematics. The major focus of the…