By handling numbers in unexpected ways, computers and calculators create headaches for computer programers and set traps for unsuspecting users by sometimes producing wrong answers. Specific examples of such computer/calculator errors are discussed. (Author/JN)

Why a computer error occurred is considered by analyzing the binary system and decimal fractions. How the computer stores numbers is then described. Knowledge of the mathematics behind computer operation is important if one wishes to understand and have confidence in the results of computer calculations. (MNS)

Numerical inaccuracies, which occur in many ordinary computations, can create serious problems and render answers meaningless. Cancellation and accumulation errors are described, and suggestions for experimentation are discussed. (MNS)

Seven graduate students in a seminar on classroom computing received instruction in LOGO programming. Programming protocols were collected periodically and examined for errors and misconceptions; in-depth interviews were conducted in order to understand specific misconceptions better. As novice students transit from instruction to experience in…

Writing problems common among many college students are "phrasal" errors such as limited vocabulary, inability to distinguish standard usage from slang or jargon, a tendency to frame thoughts in cliches, a peppering of meaningless intensifiers, and a gift for redundancy and wordiness. To help correct these problems, a text-checking system called…

Brief articles are included on exploring mathematical patterns, with two computer programs listed for finding happy numbers; a simple periodic function in trigonometry; and comments on humorous student errors. (MNS)

These proceedings include two lectures followed by working group and topic group contributions in reduced format. The two lectures were by Heinrich Bauersfeld, speaking on contributions to a fundamental theory of mathematics learning and teaching, and Henry Pollak, speaking on the relationship between applications of mathematics and the teaching…

The computer has become an indispensable tool for teachers. Presently, many teachers are making efforts to master needed computer application skills. This study first focused on the differences between novice and experienced users to identify possible task-oriented factors that might help novice users overcome the learning curve. Errors frequently…