Discusses ways to simulate a probability problem of interest to middle school students in which students calculate the average number of packets of trading cards purchased to obtain a complete set of cards. Simulations utilize a spinner, a table of random numbers, and a computer. Includes the BASIC program utilized in the simulation. (MDH)

Over the past 10 years, national conferences and committees investigating the state of American mathematics education have advocated an increased emphasis on problem solving and mathematical modeling situations in the secondary school curriculum. However, little effort has been made to prepare secondary school teachers to use mathematical modeling…

Explores the production of shadows for drawings using the LOGO computer language and Affine Geometry. Explains the methodology of the shadowing and lists the Affine Turtle procedures. Provides for different versions of LOGO. (MVL)

Presents an example of a proof to the mathematical problem of the sum of the cubes of the digits. Provides a Pascal program to search for these results. (MVL)

Uses muMATH to illustrate the step-by-step process in translating mathematical theory into the symbolic manipulation setting. Shows an application of a Picard iteration which uses a computer to generate a sequence of functions which converge to a solution. (MVL)

Provides a short BASIC program, RANVAR, which generates random variates for various theoretical probability distributions. The seven variates include: uniform, exponential, normal, binomial, Poisson, Pascal, and triangular. (MVL)

A FORTRAN program is provided for use with computer projects for a course in number theory. Uses diminishing functions and the speed of the computer to quickly determine possible solutions to problems. (MVL)

In this middle school mathematics unit two imaginary characters, Horatio and Portia, decide to make their fortune in Quincy Market (Boston, Massachusetts) running a Bull Market cart. In order to solve the problems that they encounter, they need to learn ratio and proportion, map reading, estimation, area and perimeter, population sampling, problem…

Explains graphing functions when using LOTUS 1-2-3. Provides examples and explains keystroke entries needed to make the graphs. Notes up to six functions can be displayed on the same set of axes. (MVL)

Discusses dimensionality in Euclidean geometry. Presents methods to produce fractals using LOGO. Uses the idea of self-similarity. Included are program listings and suggested extension activities. (MVL)

Considers activities that use LOGO to slide, turn, and flip the "turtle." Uses non-LOGO tools such as cutouts, pattern blocks, and tangrams to enhance the motion work. Provides examples and programs with explanations. (MVL)

Presents a program for the Apple II computer that teachers can use for exam questions and homework assignments. Prints out all cubic polynomials whose roots, maximum and minimum points, and points of inflection are all integers. (MVL)

Uses a LOGO program and probability to solve systems of equations. Provides a physical model and a LOGO model. Lists programs and explains the methodology used. (MVL)

Provides a method to use superscripts and subscripts on the screen by using graphics screen modes. Gives two methods and provides a listing of a sample BASIC program. (MVL)

Provides a software program for determining PI to the 15th place after the decimal. Explores the history of determining the value of PI from Archimedes to present computer methods. Investigates Wallis's, Liebniz's, and Buffon's methods. Written for Tandy GW-BASIC (IBM compatible) with 384K. Suggestions for Apple II's are given. (MVL)