This paper initiates a teaching sequence that focuses on building up equivalent definitions to the standard ones for the limit concept in Real Analysis. It comprises two parts: The first provides a classroom assignment where students, guided by Analysis lecturers, are led to develop an alternative definition to the [epsilon] - [delta] one for…

In current teaching materials, when using Dedekind cuts to construct real numbers, the definition of a Dedekind cut is always involved in defining addition and multiplication. In this paper, as it is done in many current textbooks, Dedekind cuts are used to construct the set of real numbers. Then the order in it is defined, and the…

This study examines the behavior of individuals when two intuitive rules in their minds lead to two different outcomes concerning a problem. In the absence of the formal knowledge, intuitive rules can affect the mathematical thinking. Hence, studies have usually compared the correct answer of the related formal knowledge with the incorrect one…

This study aims to clarify the role of generating questions in mathematical modeling and construct principles for teaching and learning mathematical modeling with an emphasis on generating questions. To achieve this purpose, the role of generating questions was determined by solving a sprinkler problem and considering the investigation process.…

We introduce the concept of the "sequence of the ratios of convex quadrilaterals," identify some properties of these sequences and use them to provide new characterizations for some classic quadrilateral families. The research involves aspects of geometry, arithmetic and mathematical analysis, which converge to produce the results.

The aim of this paper is to present a teaching proposal for the theoretical part relating to the first- and second-order linear difference equations with constant coefficients suitable for the first-year students at various types of universities. In contradistinction to the methods often applied (memorization of algorithms without a proper…

In this note we describe the mathematics that emerges from the construction of an origami box. We first construct a simple origami box from two rectangular sheets and then discuss some of the mathematical questions that arise in the context of algebra, geometry and calculus.

LEGO® stop-motion animations were developed to engage first-year university students in the topics of matrices, vectors, linear geometry and linear transformations. LEGO® provided a versatile medium through which a wide range of concrete and abstract concepts could be physically demonstrated in both two and three dimensions. It was also familiar…

Tangent lines are often first introduced to students in geometry during the study of circles. The topic may be repeatedly reintroduced to students in different contexts throughout their schooling, and often each reintroduction is accompanied by a new, nonequivalent definition of tangent lines. In calculus, tangent lines are again reintroduced to…

Nonlinear equations are usually solved numerically. However, approximated analytical solutions of nonlinear equations are useful as an initial iteration point for numerical methods. Furthermore, these analytical approximations are sometimes quite close to the actual root. In order to teach at undergraduate level how to perform this kind of…

A research project on using comics for teaching mathematics was initiated in one Singapore primary school. One class of Grade 5 (students of age 11-12) students was exposed to comics for mathematics instruction. This paper reports a case study of seven students' perception of the features of the comics instructional package and how these features…

Function is a multifaceted and essential concept in mathematics that includes various complex ideas such as mapping, relations between variables, algebra, input-output, and rule. Pre-service mathematics teachers' (PMTs) should have a rich understanding of these ideas for their future teaching practices. However, research showed that PMTs had a…

Programming is becoming increasingly common in mathematics degrees as it is a desirable skill for new graduates. However, research shows that its use is mostly restricted to computational or modelling tasks. This paper reports a study on students' perceptions of and difficulties with Lean, an interactive theorem prover introduced as part of a…

Understanding a mathematical concept in real-world situations is of practical importance and would be helpful to learn the concept in depth. One potential way to help students learn mathematical concepts in real-world situations would be to engage them with contextual problems. Exponential and logarithmic concepts are essential topics in higher…

The purpose of this study was to investigate prospective middle school mathematics teachers' proportional reasoning before and after receiving a practice-based instruction based on proportional reasoning. The Proportional Reasoning Test, semi-structured interviews and observations of student teachings were used to collect data about the…