Problem solving and proofs have always played a major role in mathematics. They are, in fact, the heart and soul of the discipline. The using of a number of different proof techniques for one specific problem can display the beauty, and elegance of mathematics. In this paper, we present one specific, interesting geometry problem, and present four…

Tychonov's 1935 solution of the heat equation, exhibiting nontrivial heat fluxes spontaneously appearing along an isolated conducting rod initially held at zero degrees, has intrigued some specialists for almost a century. No doubt those practicing heat engineers who took mathematics seriously were initially relieved to learn that the construction…

A group of eighth-graders was presented with a two-day lab exploring graph theory as an enrichment experience. With the school's winter break looming, students were weary of solving linear equations, and this topic was intended to inject some new life into the classroom. In addition to learning about a completely new topic, they would be exposed…

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…

As a follow-up to their article, "Emojis and Their Place in the Mathematics Classroom" (EJ1358586), the authors examine how emojis can be used as bridging representations to support student understanding of proof and algebra in upper primary school. They take a problem from reSolve, Level 3, (AAMT, 2020), look at it from the perspective…

This paper presents a novel figure for teaching multiple geometric proofs of the Pythagorean theorem. Because it consists only of congruent given right triangles, the figure can be constructed using a template of the given right triangle or, if available, a computer program. Within the figure, called a Pythagorean multi-proof square, there are…

There are many problems whose solution requires proof that a quadrilateral is cyclic. The main reason for writing this paper is to offer a number of new tools for proving that a particular quadrilateral is cyclic, thus expanding the present knowledge base and ensuring that investigators in mathematics and teachers of mathematics have at their…

This article aims to share five practical approaches for how teachers can identify, adapt, and create their own writing prompts they assign to students: (1) Promote Students' Solution Paths; (2) Go beyond Asking Students to Simply "Explain"; (3) Prompt Students to Share Their Reasoning; (4) Have Students Consider the Validity of a Given…

We present action research of a problem posed as part of a multi-participant national (Israeli) test checking the mathematical knowledge of high school students at the ages of 16-17, where some of those who solved this problem made an error by using the converse to a well-known theorem, where the converse is not true. In order to examine the…

Test writing is a fundamental component of teaching. With increasing pressure to teach larger groups of students, conduct formal assessment of learning outcomes, and offer online and hybrid classes, there is a need for alternatives to constructed response problem-solving test questions. We believe that appropriate use of multiple-choice (MC)…

In this note, some variants of Cauchy's mean value theorem are proved. The main tools to prove these results are some elementary auxiliary functions.

In this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Jacqueline Leighton and Dr. Blair Lehman review differences between think-aloud interviews to measure problem-solving processes and cognitive labs to measure comprehension processes. Learners are introduced to historical, theoretical, and procedural differences between these methods and how to use and analyze…

The miracle question (MQ) is a technique for assessing clients' ability to discover their potential in search of solutions. Educators can train students to use the classic MQ (What would life be without this problem?) to develop solution-focused skills in social work and counseling. This article describes the MQ Variations tool derived from the…

The Three-Square Puzzle shows a remarkable relationship between three angles. What happens when the number of squares increases? This article explores that question and brings in Fibonacci and Lucas sequences.

When a Year 7 student physically reacted to a prompt of another student by anxiously drumming the desk with his ruler, exclaiming "uuuuhh", the initial thought of the observing researcher, Laura, was: "this is an interesting account". This started a reflective journey of first applying robust research methodologies to the…