A three-digit number is chosen, the digits reversed, and the smaller is subtracted from the larger. The difference is a page number in the textbook; the teacher tells the last word on that page. The learning begins when the class uses algebra to prove why the teacher's trick works. (KM)

Thoughts of diverse individuals concerning mathematics are reprinted. Quotations are presented in four categories: philosophical, aesthetic and creative, emotional, and scientific. The author opines that the classroom use of such quotations can provoke thought about the nature of mathematics. (SD)

Describes techniques to integrate the reading of newspapers into mathematics instruction. (RS)

A method for finding the complex roots of a graph is detailed. A conjecture is made regarding the nature of zero points of fourth-degree polynomial functions, but it is not proven in general. Mathematical induction is viewed as a promising tool to prove the conjecture that turned out unproductive. (MP)

This article examines methods of solution, including a computer program, of a well-known puzzle. (MK)

Several activities focusing on the number 1976 are presented. (SD)

Some computations when done on the hand calculator yield results which can be read as words or phrases. (SD)

This discussion of the results of the mathematical Olympiad contains the average scores on each of the five problems, the winner of the Olympiad, and the Olympiad problems. (MP)

Competitions at one high school are described: they try to attract as many participants as possible, not just excellent students. In one type, creativity is stressed; another is a tournament; a third involves problem solving activities. Examples are included. (MNS)

Comments on bells throughout history are noted. 'Change-ringing,' focusing on the sequence in which bells are rung, is then explored. (MNS)

How probabilities change when playing the game of craps with dice having 8, 12, or 20 faces is discussed. Five challenge questions are also included. (MNS)

A method used by the ancient Babylonians to solve quadratic equations is presented. Illustrations are included from one Babylonian tablet. (MNS)

How to play the medieval game of Rithmomachia, the battle of rhythms, is described. It is really eight games played with one set of rules. (MNS)

Four unusual mathematics problems with interesting routes to solution are presented. A general method of solution to problems of this type is proposed. (MP)

The article presents the sixth-year report of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth at John Hopkins University, which attempts to identify mathematical talent among junior high students in Maryland and develop that talent while fostering the students' acceleration through college. (DLS)