After a brief discussion of Pascal's triangle and description of four methods of hand construction, the author provides FORTRAN and BASIC programs for computer construction based on recursive definition. (SD)

A discussion of computer errors and round-offs is given with the conclusion that attempts to get rid of these almost always result in generating more errors. (MN)

A computer program in BASIC is presented, with the underlying algorithm explained, for multiplying any two multi-digit numbers and obtaining an exact answer. (MP)

A class's struggle with the computer solution of a nontrivial problem is related. The use of algorithms allowed a trial-and-error approach.

This teaching guide is for the instructor of an introductory course in computer programming using FORTRAN language. Five FORTRAN programs are incorporated in this guide, which has been used as a FORTRAN IV SELF TEACHER. The base eight, base four, and base two concepts are integrated with FORTRAN computer programs, geoblock activities, and related…