In October 2014, an interesting new app became freely available in the Apple Store®. It is called PhotoMath®: (1) Hold a phone or tablet up to a mathematics problem in a textbook; (2) The app shows the answer to the problem; and (3) Select Steps to see the step-by-step process for getting from the problem to the solution. The app works for simple…

Advantages and disadvantages of common ways to justify the answer to a probability problem are discussed. One explanation appears superior to the others because it is easy to understand, mathematically rigorous, generalizes to a broader class of problems, and avoids the deficiencies of the other explanations. (MNS)

A mechanism for using personal computer spreadsheet software to generate unique laboratory and problem assignments in optics for each student and provide corresponding solutions that can be checked quickly is described. The method minimizes some students' tendency to inspect others' solutions without solving problems themselves. Another…

Four stages of problem solving are believed to occur in programing. Spirolaterals are discussed as specific examples of programing activity that have mathematical and programing interest. The BASIC programing language is used on the Apple II computer to provide examples of possible solutions to the problems posed. (MP)

The use of the computer language Logo offers an excellent opportunity to use technology to help develop problem-solving skills and other mathematical concepts. Examples of explorations are presented. (MNS)

An application of functions and their inverses is described--the coding and decoding of messages, or cryptographs. The helpfulness of computers is noted, with two programs listed. (MNS)

Suggested is the presentation of problems for which student teams are to write computer programs which will reveal the results of guesses at the answer by users of the program. Illustrative problems and programs are included. (MNS)

A program for a number of guessing logic games, written in APPLESOFT, is first given. Then four computer-related terms are defined. (MNS)

Describes the current use and potential of the LOGO programing language in a variety of educational situations. (JL)

A problem from a course called "Introduction to Gambling" is described. A flowchart and a computer program are included. (MNS)

Several computer-oriented lessons designed to explore and exploit the problem-solving capabilities of currently available, inexpensive systems are presented. The programing language BASIC is featured. (MP)

Some examples are given of geometric exploration and problem solving in which Logo is the primary tool and turtle graphics is the mathematical environment. Students can explore and develop important patterns while building visual intuition. (MNS)

Beginning with a simple computer program to teach a fundamental concept and building in small increments is suggested. For the topic of repeated operations, three activities, an extension, and some problems are given. (MNS)

Describes a computer course for undergraduate chemistry students that provides them with sufficient experience to be capable of making independent progress in solving chemical problems using computers. Consolidates undergraduate computer-related material into a single course. (DDR)

An approach to teaching the exponential function using discrete methods, rather than continuous analysis, is presented. A model for simple geometric growth is explored, with a computer program given. (MNS)