In this article, the authors share activities designed to help students make a connection between the complex roots of X[superscript 2] - 2x + 5 = 0 and the graph of y = X[superscript 2] - 2x + 5. We piloted these activities in three precalculus classes. The activities involved both concrete and technological representations of the mathematical…

This is a guide to using Maple in teaching fundamental calculus of one, two and three variables (limits, derivatives, integrals, etc.), also suitable for Maple beginners. It outlines one of the ways to effective use of computers in the teaching process. It scans advantages and disadvantages of using Maple in relation to students and teacher. The…

Use of the computer program "Integrate Using Definition" can help students develop understanding of integral. Several applications of the program are discussed. (MNS)

A problem that most high school calculus students can explore is presented. It can help students understand such mathematical topics as functional notation, composition of functions, the solving of systems of equations, and the derivative. A computer program is included. (MNS)

Computer algebra systems are described. Features of such systems and information on MACSYMA, Maple, muMath, REDUCE, and SMP are given. (MNS)

Three activities with Knuth functions are discussed and illustrated, with sample computer programs listed. (MNS)

Describes three labs designed to help students in a first course on ordinary differential equations with three of the most common numerical difficulties they might encounter when solving initial value problems with a numerical software package. The goal of these labs is to help students advance to independent work on common numerical anomalies.…

Offers information on a project to improve students' understanding of derivatives. Students use the software package "Cactusplot" which allows them to calculate the slope at various points, and "Graphical Analysis III" software to graph the data and modify the graphs if necessary. (ASK)

Computer algebra systems (such as MACSYMA and muMath) can carry out many of the operations of calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. Use of them with sketching graphs of rational functions and with other topics is discussed. (MNS)

Described are materials developed to add to existing complex-number units and how they have been used in second-year algebra and precalculus classes. Discussed is software developed, objectives, and classroom materials. Two worksheets are included. A computer program is provided. (CW)

Presents three fundamental ideas of calculus and explains using the coordinate plane geometrically. Uses Cabri Geometry II to show how computer geometry systems can facilitate student understanding of general conic objects and its dynamic algebraic equations. (KHR)

Given are instructions for teaching spreadsheet use for problem solving in mathematics. Examples of relevant problems from algebra through calculus are provided. The advantages of using computer spreadsheets in this application are stressed. (CW)

Mathematics software can be a great aid in understanding difficult mathematics concepts at all levels. This paper presents nine exercises on calculus concepts by using different software used in mathematics education. Each exercise includes instruction on how to use software in order to highlight a specific concept in mathematics. This paper also…

Illustrates how muMATH can be used for manipulating abstract differentiation rules, optimization, implicit differentiation, related rules, and verifying the chain rule. (MVL)

This book contains three major sections. The first section provides 15 lesson plans for the integration of activities involving computer uses in mathematics instruction. Each lesson plan includes grade level, objective, time, materials, important terms, background, suggestions, and activities. The second section provides a list of available math…