A technique for doing long division without the usual estimation difficulty is presented. It uses multiples of 2 combined with a recording technique. (MNS)

Early calculating methods and devices are discussed. These include finger products, the abacus, ancient multiplication algorithms, Napier's bones, and monograms. (MP)

Develops and analyzes four algorithms for feature selection in the context of rough set methodology. Experimental results confirm the expected relationship between the time complexity of these algorithms and the classification accuracy of the resulting upper classifiers. When compared, results of upper classifiers perform better than lower…

Discusses an algorithm from Vedic mathematics that has similarities to FOIL and the standard algorithm for multiplication. (Author/NB)

The article identifies five incorrect beliefs about mathematics often held by students who have difficulty with mathematics. They include: the relative size of numbers is more important than the relationships between quantities; computation problems must be solved by using a step-by-step algorithm; mathematics problems have only one correct…

Debates the place of standard methods, the calculator, and mental mathematics in elementary education. Proposes a framework for computation that emphasizes a sequence for introducing computational procedures. (ASK)

Computer task automation is part of the natural progression of encoding information. This thesis considers the automation process to be a question of whether it is possible to automatically learn the encoding based on the behavior of the system to be described. A variety of representation languages are considered, as are means for the learner to…

The relative effectiveness of three methods of teaching fraction computation in the context of the community college was investigated. The use of calculators was a special focus of the study. The three methods were: (1) conventional algorithms with no calculator, (2) conventional algorithms with calculator, and (3) alternative algorithms using…

An algorithm for long division is presented that involves only addition and subtraction. (MP)

The calculator is used to solve certain formidable equations, which arise naturally and which may be difficult or impossible to solve by standard methods, by a method of successive approximations. (MP)

Computational algorithms from American textbooks copyrighted prior to 1900 are presented--some that convey the concept, some just for special cases, and some just for fun. Algorithms for each operation with whole numbers are presented and analyzed. (MNS)

Shows that the rules of thumb for propagating significant figures through arithmetic calculations frequently yield misleading results. Also describes two procedures for performing this propagation more reliably than the rules of thumb. However, both require considerably more calculational effort than do the rules. (JN)

Using negative digits in writing numerals and in calculation is explained. This is the second article in the series; for the first, see Vol. 1, No. 7, Nov., 1972, pp. 8-9. (DT)