The material in this booklet is concerned with a discussion and examination of geometric puzzles and the ideas which result from their study. The general idea of graphs is introduced as a tool which can be used to solve geometric puzzles. The fact that working with puzzles can lead to unexpected mathematical discoveries is stressed. Such topics as…

Equations or systems of equations can be associated with letters of the alphabet printed in the coordinate plane. Messages can be coded and decoded with a computer or by hand. (SD)

Lines in the coordinatized plane which do not go through the origin can be designated by the ordered pair of intercepts. The enrichment unit described illustrates duality in mathematics. (SD)

The activities presented here focus on symmetry. The materials aim to provide experience in: (1) observing grid-drawn pictures and coloring in appropriate squares; (2) making symmetric designs about two lines of symmetry; (3) using a ruler and protractor; and (4) using a ruler, protractor, and compass. Worksheet masters are provided. (MP)

Several methods of numerical mappings other than the usual cartesian coordinate system are considered. Some examples using parallel axes representation, which are seen to lead to aesthetically pleasing or interesting configurations, are presented. Exercises with alternative representations can stimulate pupil imagination and exploration in…

This volume, a reprinting of a classic first published in 1952, presents detailed discussions of 26 curves or families of curves, and 17 analytic systems of curves. For each curve the author provides a historical note, a sketch or sketches, a description of the curve, a discussion of pertinent facts, and a bibliography. Depending upon the curve,…

This column contains brief notes on graphing in three dimensions; patterns in Pascal's triangle; plotting graphs by computer; and an application of the hypocycloid. (MM)

Details of a class exploration of graphs that drew upon knowledge about the behavior of particular kinds of functions and applied them in a new context are provided. (MP)

This bibliography is an effort to sort through the mathematical literature that is available. It categorizes the books into the main strands found in most elementary mathematics curricula or scope and sequence charts. Those strands are: sets and numbers; measurement and geometry; and graphs, functions, and probability. These are supplemented in…

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…