Simplifying equations via assumptions is integral to the "engineering method." Algebraic scaling helps in teaching the engineering skill of making good assumptions. Algebraic scaling is more than a pedagogical tool. It can create a solution where one was not possible before scaling. Scaling helps in engineering proper design…

Students often instrumentally use variables and unknowns without considering the variational thinking behind them. Using parameters to modify the coefficients or unknowns in equations or systems of linear equations (without altering their structure) involves consciously incorporating variational thinking into problem-solving. We will test the…

This paper describes the design, implementation, and results of a training action with prospective primary education teachers, focusing on the creation of problems involving proportional and algebraic reasoning. Prospective teachers must solve a proportionality problem using both arithmetic and algebraic procedures, and then vary it to motivate…

Four variations of the Koch curve are presented. In each case, the similarity dimension, area bounded by the fractal and its initiator, and volume of revolution about the initiator are calculated. A range of classroom exercises are proved to allow students to investigate the fractals further.

The most common challenges students face in solving first-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) can be overcome by identifying the types of errors, understanding the factors that cause difficulties, and finding appropriate solutions. Therefore, this research aimed to adopt a descriptive qualitative approach, including nine sixth-semester…

Algebraic thinking is the ability to generalize about numbers and calculations, find concepts from patterns and functions and form ideas using symbols. It is important to know the student's algebraic thinking process, by knowing the student's thinking process one can find out the location of student difficulties and the causes of these…

The ability to solve geometric construction problems is justly regarded as an essential component of mathematical culture. The dynamic, general nature of objects provided by dynamic geometry systems allows the development of intuitive methods for solving construction problems. The core mathematical concept underlying this approach is the loci…

This study explores the effects of a computer algebra system on students' mathematical thinking. Mathematical thinking is identified with mathematical thinking powers and structures. We define mathematical thinking as students' capacity to specialize and generalize their previous knowledge to solve new mathematical problems. The study was…

In this paper, we report the analysis of thought processes used by Pre-Service Teachers' (PSTs') through clinical interviews as they solved an algebra task involving a linear pattern. The PST's were asked about a mathematical model they had constructed to describe a pattern problem. Our analysis suggests that conflict factors arise due to…

Solving systems of linear equations is a core concept in linear algebra and a wide variety of problems found in the sciences and engineering can be formulated as linear equations. This study sought to explore undergraduate students' development of the schema for solving systems of linear equations. The triad framework was used to describe the…

Jordan canonical form (JCF) is one of the most important, and useful, concepts in linear algebra. Mathematics, physics, biology, science and engineering undergraduates often find the first application of real JCF in the discipline of differential equations (continuous models) to solving systems of differential equations. In this work, we apply…

Problems involving the composition of mixtures are common in chemical practice and are thus part of introductory Chemistry courses at the early undergraduate level. However, they are often perceived by students as a rather obscure matter, which may be due to poor familiarity with algebraic manipulations. Furthermore, to increase the distaste of…

In a typical first physics class, homework consists of problems in which numerical values for physical quantities are given and the desired answer is a number with appropriate units. In contrast, most calculations in upper-division undergraduate physics are entirely symbolic. Despite the need to learn symbolic manipulation, students are often…

This study examined college calculus instructors' preferences in solving two calculus tasks to examine college calculus instructors' use of important cognitive roots in understanding derivatives of function. Our results showed that only one instructor consistently uses cognitive roots while other instructors either focus on algebraic methods or…

Research has shown there are algebra concepts elementary teachers can introduce that help prepare elementary students for the eventual transition to algebra (e.g., the relational interpretation of the equal sign). "Early algebra" refers to the use of informal approaches to introduce such concepts to elementary students. "Strip…