Patterns that appear in the repeating digits of a decimal are used to help convince students that any infinite repeating decimal can be written in the form of a rational number. (JT)

This discussion of cyclic patterns that appear in repeating decimals includes the use of the calculator in discovering the patterns. (MP)

Repeating decimals are used as a source for geometric patterns. Ways for generating patterns focus on dividing a circle into certain numbers of equal parts and interpreting the decimal expansions of certain fractions in terms of connecting sequences of points. Suggestions for possible expansions are given. (MP)

Three examples are given in which students create their own Logo software to explore the topics of number patterns and operations, fractions, and decimal parts in measurement. (MNS)

Presents an activity that involves drawing pictures to collect data, conjecturing a recurrence relation, and solving the relation using geometric series and partial fractions. (MKR)

Mechanical devices offer an alternative to computers to explore mathematical concepts in different curricula areas. Described is the discograph, a series of pulleys and wheels, that can be used to teach mathematical principles in pattern drawing, locus, rotation in geared systems, gearing, rotational symmetry, regular plane figures, decimal, and…

Uses pattern blocks to model basic parts-of-a-whole fraction concepts. Suggests that students reflect these models in oral, written, pictorial, and symbolic representations. (MKR)

This compilation is drawn from the IDEAS section that has been a feature of the "Arithmetic Teacher" since 1971. The contents are arranged in the following categories: Computation, Fractions and Decimals, Developing Number Patterns, Using Flowcharts, Problem Solving, Geometry, and Metric Measure. All selections are reprinted just as they…

Explores the number problem of writing an expression for each of the unit fractions using any digit exactly four times. Includes tables of expressions for unit fractions. (MKR)

Uses spatial visualization to make connections among Zeno's paradox, geometry, fractions, infinite series, and limits. (YDS)

This book uses foods as catalysts for learning mathematical concepts. Each hands-on activity in this math center suggests accessible, healthful, and easy-to-prepare foods to be used in school or at home. An introduction to parents and teachers includes supplies list, gobble-up germs poster, and food guide pyramid and serving information. The…

Describes two activities for developing computational skills, discovering patterns, checking answers, and factoring quadratics and equivalent fractions. Provides worksheets for the activities. (YP)

The number concepts of greatest common divisor and least common multiple are related to star patterns created through line designs. (JT)

Activities designed for use with middle-school students to help them discover intriguing number patterns and practice their arithmetic skills with fractions are presented. It is felt that work with repeating number patterns should be both fun and instructive for middle-school and prealgebra students at all development levels. (MP)

This document is a collection of activity-based mathematics lessons for grades 5-8 from the "Ideas" department in "Arithmetic Teacher: Mathematics Education through the Middle Grades." Each lesson includes background information, objectives, directions, extensions, and student worksheets. A matrix is included which correlates…