Research on technology-use for teaching and learning statistics is sparse compared to that in algebra and calculus. This paper addresses the deficiency with regard to teaching and learning about "trend" in bivariate data. Available research findings are reviewed and an empirical inquiry in a year 12 (upper secondary) class is reported. Treatment…

In rare cases, the use of advanced mathematical calculators can give incorrect results. One such error occurs with graphing calculators because the screen is not continuous, but a rectangular array of pixels. On some frequently used calculators, the graph of sin80x looks like sin x. We also study other related examples.

An intuitive derivation of Stirling's formula is presented, together with a modification that greatly improves its accuracy. The derivation is based on the closed form evaluation of the gamma function at an integer plus one-half. The modification is easily implemented on a hand-held calculator and often triples the number of significant digits…

Discusses a real-world problem-solving lesson that emerged when a high school math teacher used a motion detector with a CBL and graphing calculator to obtain the bounce data of a ping-pong ball. Describes the lesson in which students collect bad data then fill in the missing parabolas that result using critical components of parabolas and…

Using Newton's method as an intermediate step, we introduce an iterative method that approximates numerically the solution of f(x) = 0. The method is essentially a leap-frog Newton's method. The order of convergence of the proposed method at a simple root is cubic and the computational efficiency in general is less, but close to that of Newton's…

Describes an inquiry into students' uses of graphics calculators in the Tertiary Entrance Examination of Calculus in Western Australia for 1998. Discusses a comparative analysis of boys' and girls' performances. Indicates that the main areas of difficulty for students are interpreting graphing calculator outputs and knowing when use of graphing…