In this paper, we explore how the typical second year undergraduate topic of matrix diagonalisation can be applied to solve a geometric problem which arises frequently in Vector Calculus: to find the curve of intersection of a plane and a surface. We use GeoGebra, which offers a cost-free and dynamic interface, to explore a specific variant of…

We present an investigation of the infinite sequences of numbers formed by calculating the pairwise averages of three given numbers. The problem has an interesting geometric interpretation related to the sequence of triangles with equal perimeters which tend to an equilateral triangle. Investigative activities of the problem are carried out in…

This article presents a didactic situation focused on geometric reasoning using 3D GeoGebra, using the concepts Theory of Didactical Situations (TDS). The objective of this work is to bring a didactic proposal for the teaching of Spatial Geometry, working with the students' geometric perception, oriented and elaborated based on the dialectic of…

Throughout the years of the history of the development of mathematics, starting with the ancient mathematicians, new things were discovered from time to time, which made it a central component of the computerized world, which serves us in many fields, with the young "swimming" in it, and the adults asking: how could we live without it!…

Mathematics achievement is positively associated with coding in the classroom. By making mathematical relationships visible to students as they code, teachers leverage rich connections between block-based computer programming and mathematical sense making. In this article, the authors describe strategies for adapting a Code.org lesson integrating…

We present an investigative activity that was set as part of a course of pre-service teachers of mathematics. The emphasis in the course was set on the importance of using the computerized technological tool for teaching the subject. The activity focused on investigating interesting geometrical conservation properties which are not known to the…

Answering a call by the "Common Vision" for instructional material to "establish stronger connections with other disciplines" and "work with professional-level technology tools," the present article shows how various aspects of fitting circles to data fit in existing courses from basic calculus to advanced calculus.

FINDIF is a Windows application that numerically solves the one-dimensional (1D) Schrödinger equation and displays the eigenstates, eigenvalues, and probability density of the system. FINDIF accepts both nonperiodic and periodic 1D potential energy functions as input and uses the finite difference method to evaluate the energy of the quantum…

In this paper a class of regular surfaces, generated by rotation and twist of a rigid line segment, is considered. Firstly a complete description of those surfaces by means of local charts is obtained and then its orientability is characterized in terms of the number of half-twists, taking into account their direction (clockwise or…

Too often, high school algebra students encounter topics in a discrete, disconnected fashion. In the authors' first years of teaching, they found students to be adept at solving problems they were currently studying; for instance, they could solve quadratics during a quadratics unit. Too often, however, students struggled with that same content…

Almost all finite groups encountered by undergraduates can be represented as multiplicative groups of concise block-diagonal binary matrices. Such representations provide simple examples for beginning a group theory course. More importantly, these representations provide concrete models for "abstract" concepts. We describe Maple lab…

To fulfill the Standards for Mathematical Practice (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers [NGA Center & CCSSO], 2010), it is important for teachers to empower students to critique, revise, and expand their ideas as they solve problems. However, students often face challenges such…

I explore some facts about the area, position, etc. of the Steiner ellipse using GeoGebra and numerical analysis. Students can use these for mathematical inquiry.

Mathematical writing (MW) can support students' mathematical learning and is common in mathematics assessment. However, MW is known to be particularly challenging for students with learning disabilities. While the use of model compositions of both high- and low-quality writing and the act of revision are evidence-based practices in writing…

The number of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in elementary mathematics classrooms today is on the rise and educators around the world are seeking innovative methods for teaching them. The authors of this article describe using an avatar-based program called TeachLivE to help students with ASD develop a graphic organizer strategy to…