The evolution of Archimedes' method is traced from its geometrical beginning as a means to approximate pi to its modern version as an analytical technique for evaluating inverse circular and hyperbolic functions. It is felt the web of old and new algorithms provides considerable instructional material, and ideas are offered. (MP)

The problem of finding cube roots when limited to a calculator with only square root capability is discussed. An algorithm is demonstrated and explained which should always produce a good approximation within a few iterations. (MP)

Details are given of a simple computer program written in BASIC which calculates the sine of an angle through an application of DeMoivre's Theorem. The program is included in the material, and the program's success is discussed in terms of why the approximation works. (MP)

A procedure for constructing a magic cube is presented, with related teaching activities appropriate for students familiar or unfamiliar with the algorithm covered. (MP)

This document contains two units that examine integral transforms and series expansions. In the first module, the user is expected to learn how to use the unified method presented to obtain Laplace transforms, Fourier transforms, complex Fourier series, real Fourier series, and half-range sine series for given piecewise continuous functions. In…

This report explains the mathematical origin of the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) approximation often used in elementary Business Mathematics courses. (MP)

These modules view aspects of computer use in the problem-solving process, and introduce techniques and ideas that are applicable to other modes of problem solving. The first unit looks at algorithms, flowchart language, and problem-solving steps that apply this knowledge. The second unit describes ways in which computer iteration may be used…

Applied mathematics is seen often to involve the solution of single equations or systems of equations. A particular technique for solving equations in the context of functions on the real line is examined. This technique includes an iterative process, which is viewed as an algorithm that can be implemented readily on inexpensive and widely…

This module is designed to apply mathematical models to nuclear deterrent problems, and to aid users in developing enlightened skepticism about the use of linear models in stability analyses and long-term predictions. An attempt is made at avoiding overwhelming complexities through concentration on land-based missile forces. It is noted that after…

This material contains two units which view applications of computer science. The first of these examines Horner's scheme; and is designed to instruct the user on how to apply both this scheme and related algorithms. The second unit aims for student understanding of standard bisection, secant, and Newton methods of root finding and appreciation of…

Parts one and two of a one-year computer-oriented calculus course (without analytic geometry) are presented. The ideas of calculus are introduced and motivated through computer (i.e., algorithmic) concepts. An introduction to computing via algorithms and a simple flow chart language allows the book to be self-contained, except that material on…

This textbook was designed for a first course in differential and integral calculus, and is directed toward students in engineering, the sciences, mathematics, and computer science. Its major goal is to bring students to a level of technical competence and intuitive understanding of calculus that is adequate for applying the subject to real world…

Many of the suggestions that calculus instructors have published as articles from 1908 through 1973 are included in this book of readings. The main criterion for selecting an item was whether it would be helpful to teachers and students; therefore, those which dealt exclusively with curricular structure were not included. The selected articles are…

This unit is 1 of 12 developed for the university classroom portion of the Mathematics-Methods Program (MMP), created by the Indiana University Mathematics Education Development Center (MEDC) as an innovative program for the mathematics training of prospective elementary school teachers (PSTs). Each unit is written in an activity format that…