The main purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual understanding of the irrational number of the square root of 2 ([square root]2 ). Participants in the study were 20 ninth-grade male students. Activity Theory was used as a framework to show the development of the conceptual understanding. Since this study was conducted during the COVID-19…

Tossing a fair coin 1000 times can have an unexpected result. In the activities presented here, players keep track of the accumulated total for heads and tails after each toss, noting which player is in the lead or whether the players are tied. The winner is the player who was in the lead for the higher number of turns over the course of the game.…

Logarithms continue to play an important role in mathematics (most significantly in calculus), science, and engineering. It is therefore important for students to understand logarithms as real numbers as well as the characteristics of logarithmic functions. Exploration of challenges in understanding logarithms as real numbers and logarithmic…

The basis of this intervention study is a distinction between numerical calculus and relational calculus. The former refers to numerical calculations and the latter to the analysis of the quantitative relations in mathematical problems. The inverse relation between addition and subtraction is relevant to both kinds of calculus, but so far research…

This document presents a review of evidence commissioned by the Education Endowment Foundation to inform the guidance document "Improving Mathematics in Key Stages Two and Three" (Education Endowment Foundation, 2017). The review draws on a substantial parallel study by the same research team, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, which…

Presents an activity on number concepts using a calculator. Suggests that by using a calculator, students can search for patterns and identify them more quickly. This activity helps students make mathematical connections about divisibility rules, carry out investigations, make sense of what happened, and continue their investigation by creating…

In this work, we present an algorithm for computing logarithms of positive real numbers, that bears structural resemblance to the elementary school algorithm of long division. Using this algorithm, we can compute successive digits of a logarithm using a 4-operation pocket calculator. The algorithm makes no use of Taylor series or calculus, but…

The topic of random numbers is investigated in such a way as to illustrate links between mathematics, physics and computer science. First, the generation of random numbers by a classical computer using the linear congruential generator and logistic map is considered. It is noted that these procedures yield only pseudo-random numbers since…

The format of digits in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) on calculators and watches can motivate some simple investigations appropriate for school mathematics. Several sample problems or investigations are provided. (MK)

The authors provide activities for overcoming some fraction misconceptions using calculators specially designed for learners in primary years. The writers advocate use of the calculator as a way to engage children in thinking about mathematics. By engaging with a calculator as part of mathematics learning, children are learning about and using the…

Using calculators (and computers) to develop an understanding and appreciation of statistical ideas is advocated. Manual computation as a prerequisite for developing concepts is negated through several examples. (MNS)

Ignored concepts of numbers, notation, and operation with rational numbers are described. It is proposed that these be taught in the time now devoted to paper-and-pencil skills made obsolete by calculators. (MNS)

Problems focusing on number theory that can make good use of the calculator in discovering and proving simple theorems are proposed. The focus is on the properties of subtracting the smaller of a three digit number and its mirror number from the larger in a process that leads to zero. (MP)

The results of this study indicate no significant differences on two achievement tests and one aptitude test between calculator and non groups. Nevertheless, the investigator notes several advantages of using the calculator. (MK)

One method (attributed to Archimedes) of approximating pi offers a simple yet interesting introduction to one of the basic ideas of numerical analysis, an iteration sequence. The method is described and elaborated. (PK)