The Traveling Salesperson Problem (TSP) is a computationally difficult combinatorial optimization problem. In spite of its relative difficulty, human solvers are able to generate close-to-optimal solutions in a close-to-linear time frame, and it has been suggested that this is due to the visual system's inherent sensitivity to certain geometric…

The paper proposes a composite likelihood estimation approach that uses bivariate instead of multivariate marginal probabilities for ordinal longitudinal responses using a latent variable model. The model considers time-dependent latent variables and item-specific random effects to be accountable for the interdependencies of the multivariate…

This study elaborates the Rasch differential item functioning (DIF) model formulation under the marginal maximum likelihood estimation context. Also, the Rasch DIF model performance was examined and compared with the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) procedure in small sample and short test length conditions through simulations. The theoretically known…

For the casino game Keno we determine optimal playing strategies. To decide such optimal strategies, both exact (hypergeometric) and approximate probability calculations are used. The approximate calculations are obtained via the Central Limit Theorem and simulation, and an important lesson about the application of the Central Limit Theorem is…

In this article, we define the inversion vector of a permutation of the integers 1, 2,..., n. We set up a particular kind of permutation, called a partial random permutation. The sum of the elements of the inversion vector of such a permutation is a random variable of interest.

In the nineteenth century many people tried to seek a value for the most famous irrational number, [pi], by means of an experiment known as Buffon's needle, consisting of throwing randomly a needle onto a surface ruled with straight parallel lines. Here we propose to extend this experiment in order to evaluate other irrational numbers, such as…

Describes a model for geometrical probability. Presents two examples of basic theories of probability using geometrical probability. Provides three problems using the described theorem. (YP)

The method for geometric transforms (probability generating functions) is used to study the expected number of observations until the pattern 123123 . . . 123 is obtained. These results provide a first generalization of similar problems considered by other authors. (Contains 1 figure.)

This document suggests sources from children's literature useful in teaching a variety of mathematical concepts. The mathematical concepts discussed are: (1) numbers and numeration; (2) place value; (3) shapes; (4) addition and subtraction; (5) multiplication and division; (6) telling time; (7) probability, estimation and prediction; (8) fractions…

This guide emphasizes the areas of elementary level mathematics, architecture, and visual arts and gives secondary emphasis to language arts/English and creative writing. The major goals are to develop an understanding of how the arts can enhance mathematical concepts, to describe mathematical qualities through the application of the arts, and to…

This is a record of the proceedings of the 30th annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA). The theme of the conference is "Mathematics: Essential research, essential practice." The theme draws attention to the importance of developing and maintaining links between research and practice and…