One of the units of in a standard differential equations course is a discussion of the oscillatory motion of a spring and the associated material on forcing functions and resonance. During the presentation on practical resonance, the instructor may tell students that it is similar to when they take their siblings to the playground and help them on…

In this paper, the authors evaluate the series and integrals presented by P. Glaister. The authors show that this function has the Maclauren series expansion. The authors derive the series from the integral in two ways. The first derivation uses the technique employed by Glaister. The second derivation uses a change in variable in the integral.

The problem "Given three planar points, find a point such that the sum of the distances from that point to the three points is a minimum" is discussed from several points of view. A solution that uses only calculus and geometry is examined in detail. (MNS)

A proof for a limit is given, with a recommended presentation consisting of three lemmas followed by the theorem. (MNS)

The chain rule is one of the hardest ideas to convey to students in Calculus I. It is difficult to motivate, so that most students do not really see where it comes from; it is difficult to express in symbols even after it is developed; and it is awkward to put it into words, so that many students can not remember it and so can not apply it…

Much of the current literature on the topic of discrete mathematics and calculus during the first two years of an undergraduate mathematics curriculum is cited. A relationship between the recursive integration formulas and recursively defined polynomials is described. A Pascal program is included. (Author/RH)

An old way to determine asymptotes for curves described in polar coordinates is presented. Practice in solving trigonometric equations, in differentiation, and in calculating limits is involved. (MNS)

Questions students raise about the meaning of zero to the zero power present an opportunity for mathematics teachers to involve students in active participation in exploring mathematical relationships. Calculators are the needed tool to make this exploration accessible to students. How they can be used is described. (MNS)

In many elementary calculus textbooks in use today, the definition of a "smooth curve" is slightly ambiguous from the students' perspective. Even when smoothness is defined carefully, there is a shortage of relevant exercises that would serve to elaborate on related subtle points which many students may find confusing. In this article, the authors…

Reviews the underpinnings of synthetic division. Shows how to quickly obtain the coefficients of the Taylor expansion of a polynomial about a point, and a partial fraction decomposition of a polynomial. (MVL)

Presented are reviews of several microcomputer software programs. Included are reviews of: (1) Microstat (Zenith); (2) MathCAD (MathSoft); (3) Discrete Mathematics (True Basic); (4) CALCULUS (True Basic); (5) Linear-Kit (John Wiley); and (6) Geometry Sensei (Broderbund). (RH)

This article illustrates that mathematical theory can be incorporated into the process to solve differential equations by a computer algebra system, muMATH. After an introduction to functions of muMATH, several short programs for enhancing the capabilities of the system are discussed. Listed are six references. (YP)

Described is a computer algebra system that can be used to help students understand the calculus. Provides several examples of solving calculus problems using muMATH. Lists eight references. (YP)