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)

Described are ways that specific concepts from abstract algebra can be programed using the software package features of the Ada Programming Language, which is the primary language of the Department of Defense. Included are typical programs with their respective outputs. (JJK)

This computer software is a tool designed to help teachers help children in grades 1 through 7 construct their own knowledge of whole numbers and fractions. This software is the first in a series of new, dynamic computer microworlds that allow teachers to interact with students and students to interact with each other as they engage in…

Describes the approach taken and materials used for introducing computer symbolic mathematics to undergraduate calculus students. Explains the features of the muMATH software package and reviews the modifications that were made to the program. Includes an exercise on plotting graphs. (ML)

Described are activities in the study of techniques used to conceal the meanings of messages and data. Some background information and two BASIC programs that illustrate the algorithms used in a new cryptographic system called "public-key cryptography" are included. (CW)

Presents a method for using matrix algebra and computers to encode and decode secret messages. Provides examples of coding procedures, a short review of matrix multiplication, and a BASIC program for use with secret messages containing up to 1000 numbers. (RT)

Describes numerical differentiation and the central difference formula in numerical analysis. Presents three computer programs that approximate the first derivative of a function utilizing the central difference formula. Analyzes conditions under which the approximation formula is exact. (MDH)

Describes the derivation of the parameters incorporated into computer programs that are utilized to draw hypocycloids, which are the loci of points traced out by a point on a disk as it rolls against a circle and its interior. Includes information to obtain copies of the programs described. (JJK)

This paper merges state-of-the-art calculator technology with examples drawn from the Harvard Consortium Calculus Curriculum. A brief rationale for selection of the Harvard project and the TI-85 is provided, and four different mathematical situations are examined using different capabilities of the TI-85. Two short TI-85 programs are given.…

Discusses a problem involving probability and uncertainty that students can investigate experimentally or theoretically and transforms the problem to a two-player game so that students can be introduced to some fundamental concepts of decision making. Includes computer programs used to analyze the problems. (MKR)

The author presents two examples of lattice multiplication followed by a computer algorithm to perform this multiplication. The algorithm is given in psuedocode but could easily be given in Pascal. (PK)

Uses LOGO to enhance the applicability of curve stitching in the mathematics curriculum. Presents the formulas and computer programs for the construction of parabolas, concentric circles, and epicycloids. Diagrams of constructed figures are provided. (MDH)

Presented is the ancient Egyptian algorithm for the operations of multiplication and division of integers and fractions. Theorems involving unit fractions, proved by Fibonacci, justifying and extending the Egyptian or Ahmes' methods into the Hindu-Arabic numeric representational system are given. (MDH)

Discusses activities to help students make visual generalizations about power and exponential functions, methods to determine an approximate function represented by data using logarithms, hands-on activities, and student activity sheets. Includes a Pascal Turbo computer program which generates random numbers. (MKR)

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…