Explores the effects of varying the coefficients in the general quadratic function using graphing calculators. (MKR)

Explores an unexpected connection between a function, its inverse, and the arithmetic mean, algebraically and graphically. (MM)

Discussion of the nature of the algebraic and graphical representations of functions focuses on a study integrating cognitive research and the development of an intelligent tutoring system (ITS), the Function Characteristics Tutor, to evaluate the effects of pairing representations of mathematical functions on high school students. (Author/LRW)

The typical path of instruction in high school algebra courses for the study of polynomial functions has been from linear functions, to quadratic functions, to polynomial functions of degree greater than two. This paper reports results of clinical interviews with an Algebra II student. The interviews were used to probe into the student's…

Presents responses to a problem that appeared in the May 2000 issue. The problem was to determine different ways to divide 8 cookies between 3 people. Includes student work from grades 1, 3, and 5. (KHR)

Presents a classification of factorable cubics and shows how the associated factor graphs determine domains of disconnected branches and furnish a skeletal framework for the number and shape of the branches. Illustrates three dimensional visualization and examines level curves and spikes of surfaces. (KHR)

Much can be learned from a study of rational functions and the behavior of their graphs, so their inclusion in secondary school mathematics textbooks is urged. Analysis of reciprocal relationships and when they don't apply, asymptotes, and the graphing technique are each included in the discussion. (MNS)

Describes an activity in which students are given a set of designs and are required to use their electronic grapher to reproduce the designs. The activity reinforces students' understanding of lines and of the formula for a linear function. (MKR)

Examples for determining the equation of a line through two points or a quadratic function that contains three noncollinear points are presented. (MNS)

Presents an alternate approach to teaching quadratics by fully integrating the study of quadratic equations and quadratic functions using graphs. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Presents a teacher's guide and reproducible student worksheets to develop the procedure for finding the inverse of a function. (MKR)

Presents activities designed to help students bridge the gap between the graphical representation of a function and a verbal description. Includes a number of nonstandard graphs and reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the TI-81 Graphics Calculator as an instructional tool on college algebra students' conceptual and procedural achievements involving functions and graphs and on the students' attitudes toward mathematics. The study was a posttest-only, equivalent control group design conducted with students…

Included in this section are brief articles on making up a story to explain a graph, the inverse of a function of a single variable, and exotic horse-race wagering and combinatorics. (MNS)

This paper describes student difficulties in first-year calculus classes and suggests some instructional strategies to address these difficulties. Participants in this study were 200 low socio-economic background freshmen majoring in business in Brazil. Results show that the main difficulties are related to lack of understanding of algebraic…