There are many geometrical approaches to the solution of the quadratic equation with real coefficients. In this article it is shown that the monic quadratic equation with complex coefficients can also be solved graphically, by the intersection of two hyperbolas; one hyperbola being derived from the real part of the quadratic equation and one from…

An experiment is reported comparing human performance on two kinds of visually presented traveling salesperson problems (TSPs), those reliant on Euclidean geometry and those reliant on city block geometry. Across multiple array sizes, human performance was near-optimal in both geometries, but was slightly better in the Euclidean format. Even so,…

This paper presents an investigation by pre-service secondary school teachers in a geometry class of the relationship between the perpendicular distance from the eyeball to the wall (x) and the viewable vertical distance on the wall (y) using a view tube of constant length and diameter. In undertaking the investigation, students used tabular and…

As part of their teacher training course, graduate students visited several industries to find what mathematics was in use. (MM)

These materials were written with the aim of reflecting the thinking of Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics (CCSM) regarding the goals and objectives for school mathematics K-6. In view of the experiences of other curriculum groups and of the general discussions since 1963, the present report initiates the next step in evolving the "Goals".…

Three activities are provided for introducing career education into the mathematics classroom as well as the rationale for doing so. (JT)

This outline is for a pre-algebra course designed to prepare students for algebra or to satisfy a one-year mathematics requirement. A key purpose is to present a practical mathematical experience. A detailed outline is given with a suggested time allotment for each chapter. A discussion of each topic follows with teaching suggestions and examples.…

Includes materials in reproducible format designed to help students read and draw distance-time graphs and use the slopes of these graphs to draw conclusions about car speed. (PK)

Gives definitions of taxicab geometry and the MacDraw format for graphing. In the world of taxicab geometry, movement through the plane is along horizontal and vertical paths. Describes specific application to conic sections, including circle, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola. Lists five references. (YP)

A list of potential writing ideas and general guidelines to be used in integrating writing into the mathematics classroom are provided. Ideas under the headings of narrative, descriptive, and expository writing are included. (KR)

This middle school mathematics unit is organized around themes relating to sports activities in the Boston (Massachusetts) region and has a content focus on decimals and percents. The activities follow a story line which features a sports reporter (the student) and his/her assignments and adventures. Each activity begins with a headline, defines a…

By using word problems relevant to agricultural occupations, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in seven areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; (3) ratios and…

Through the use of word problems relevant to the field of office occupations education, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in ten areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and…