The ideas of measurement and measurement comparisons (e.g., fractions, ratios, quotients) are introduced to students in elementary school. However, studies report that students of all ages have difficulty comparing two quantities in terms of their relative size. Students often understand fractions such as 3/7 as part-whole relationships or…

In this article, I argue that the common practice across many school mathematics curricula of using a variety of different representations of number may diminish the coherence of mathematics for students. Instead, I advocate prioritising a single representation of number (the number line) and applying this repeatedly across diverse content areas.…

The staircase and fractional part functions are basic examples of real functions. They can be applied in several parts of mathematics, such as analysis, number theory, formulas for primes, and so on; in computer programming, the floor and ceiling functions are provided by a significant number of programming languages--they have some basic uses in…

Presents an investigation using data collected by students to explore timelines and pie charts. The activity begins with having students keep a chronological record of their activities for one 24-hour period to create and analyze pie charts that show how they have spent their time. Activity sheet also included. (ASK)

This collection of booklets deals with minumum standards in mathematics for beginning eleventh grade students. There is a statement of the standards with related skills, a test to assess competency with accompanying answer sheet and answer key, and eight booklets presenting problems covered by six of the standards. The booklets cover: percentages;…

This instructor's guide consists of materials for use in teaching a course in technical mathematics designed for students enrolled in postsecondary vocational and technical education programs. Included in the guide are 32 units organized into the following broad topic areas: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, measures, tables and…

The issue of division by zero is discussed. Activities that cover the topics of measurement division, partition division, relationship to fractions, confusion with dividing into zero, dividing zero by zero, and relation to more formal numbers are presented. (KR)

How graph paper has been used to illustrate the algorithm for division of fractions is presented. The combined use of graph paper and an overhead projector can make the presentation even more convincing. A review of whole number division is recommended prior to the lesson. (MP)

Student exploration at a secondary school level of fraction relationships using special graphs is described. (MP)

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…

By using word problems relevant to agricultural occupations, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in seven areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; (3) ratios and…

This guide describes 20 learning activities that can be used with elementary school students on the topic of probability and statistics. These activities have been developed using the mathematics laboratory approach. This publication is designed to serve as a stimulant to encourage teachers to open their minds and employ their imagination in…

Through the use of word problems relevant to the field of office occupations education, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in ten areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and…

Utilizing word problems relevant to the field of environmental health, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in 14 areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; (3)…