Presents a ray-tracing procedure based on some ideas of Herzberger and the matrix approach to geometrical optics. This method, which can be implemented on a programmable pocket calculator, applies to any conic surface, including paraboloids, spheres, and planes. (Author/GA)

A problem is detailed which has a solution that embodies geometry, trigonometry, ballistics, projectile mechanics, vector analysis, and elementary computer graphics. It is felt that the information and sample computer programs can be a useful starting point for a user written code that involves missiles and other projectiles. (MP)

Describes eight increasingly sophisticated and efficient sorting algorithms including linear insertion, binary insertion, shellsort, bubble exchange, shakersort, quick sort, straight selection, and tree selection. Provides challenges for the reader and the student to program these efficiently. (JM)

Provides a BASIC program to compute the number of shuffles required for packs containing even numbers of cards up to 100. Lists 4 further questions on the shuffling program. (YP)

Shows a series of Euclidean equations using the Euclidean algorithm to get the greatest common divisor of two integers. Describes the use of the equations to generate a series of circles. Discusses computer generation of Euclidean circles and provides a BASIC program. (YP)

Describes an approach to teaching interactive computing for physics students beginning with the use of BASIC and video terminals during the first year of study (includes writing solution programs for practical problems). Second year students learn FORTRAN and apply it to interpolation, numerical integration, and differential equations. (JM)

This article considers the sum of a finite geometric series as applied to numeric data storage in the memory of an electronic digital computer. The presentation is viewed as relevant to programing in several languages and removes some of the mystique associated with syntax constraints that any language imposes. (MP)

Discusses the use of graphing calculators for polar and parametric equations. Presents eight lines of the program for the graph of a parametric equation and 11 lines of the program for a graph of a polar equation. Illustrates the application of the programs for planetary motion and free-fall motion. (YP)

Describes how to measure animals pace, stride, and step angle in degrees. Presents cases of measurements for dinosaur trackways. (YP)

Investigated the effect of the choice of a model's medium (algebraic expression or computer program) on the performance of students. Student programers did not transfer the qualities of a computer program approach to their algebraic models. Provides items for five tests. (YP)

Described are several programs that enable the user to evaluate derivatives to order n of any elementary function by using the combination of automatic differentiation method and A Programming Language (APL). Programs calculating first- and higher-order derivatives are presented. Selected APL symbols are appended. (YP)

Discusses the use of the mathematics classroom for discovering the relationship among computers, mathematics, and real-world problems. Provides three probability problems and compares the results of three methods, actual trial, computer simulation, and mathematical solution. (YP)

It is noted that there are some integrals which cannot be evaluated by determining an antiderivative, and these integrals must be subjected to other techniques. Numerical integration is one such method; it provides a sum that is an approximate value for some integral types. This module's purpose is to introduce methods of numerical integration and…

This module is part of a series designed to be used by life science students for instruction in the application of physical theory to ecosystem operation. Most modules contain computer programs which are built around a particular application of a physical process. FFORM is a portable format-free input subroutine package written in ANSI Fortran IV…

This module is part of a series designed to be used by life science students for instruction in the application of physical theory to ecosystem operation. Most modules contain computer programs which are built around a particular application of a physical process. PLOT3D is a subroutine package which generates a variety of three-dimensional hidden…