Discusses a method of graphing polar equations using information from the Cartesian graphs of trigonometric functions. (MKR)

Develops the Pythagorean Theorem in the context of the Van Hiele levels by presenting activities appropriate for each level. Activities point to preparatory development (level 0), give 3 different versions of Euclid's proof (levels 1, 2, and 3), give some generalizations of the theorem (level 3), and explore the Pythagorean relationship in other…

Presents a method of viewing the reflective properties of the parabola and ellipse. Reinforces previously studied concepts of mathematics useful for individual or classroom projects. (PK)

In polar coordinates, the intersection of the graphs of two functions, f(x) and g(x), does not always correspond to the solutions of the equation f(x) = g(x). Presented are examples to illustrate this concept, proofs demonstrating why this is true, and a computer program to simultaneously plot polar coordinate graphs. (MDH)

In 1988-89 the Connecticut Vocational-Technical School System initiated a program for the ongoing review and upgrading of all trade and academic curricula used in the system's 17 schools to insure that each curriculum is consistent with current standards. Every 3 years the Curriculum Steering Committee for the trade or academic subject conducts a…

Presented are six short articles on an application of an ellipse to carpentry, the area of an ellipse by stacking, using the isoperimetric quotient to solve a minimum problem, using an ill-posed trigonometry problem to encourage deeper exploration of concepts, the volume and centroid of the Step Pyramid of Zoser, and a unique telescoping series…

Discusses the problem of finding the amount of fence it would require for the outfield fence of a baseball field of given dimensions. Presents different solution methods for each of the levels from grades 9-12. The different methods incorporate geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and calculus. (MDH)

In 1988-89 the Connecticut Vocational-Technical School System initiated a program for the ongoing review and upgrading of all trade and academic curricula used in the system's 17 schools to insure that each curriculum is consistent with current standards. Every 3 years the Curriculum Steering Committee for the trade or academic subject conducts a…

Uses conic sections, trigonometric functions, and polar coordinates to solve the problem of determining the shape of a baseball outfield fence, given the distances along the foul lines and to straightaway center field. Graphing programs and calculators are utilized to plot different solutions. (MDH)

Presents activities which use graphing calculators to explore parametric equations of spirals, circles, and polygons. (MKR)

Presents the results of a preliminary investigation into the feasibility of teachers constructing their own animations for the mathematics classroom using computer animation tools. Provides examples of animation constructed using "Ani ST" and "Mathematica" programs. Concludes that computer animation has potential to be a…

The third in a series of 3 articles, a study of 30 students was conducted to test the effect of restructuring a unit on trigonometric identities around microcomputer activities based on the themes of educational undercurrents identified in Part II. Experimental-group students scored significantly higher relating trigonometric functions to their…

This study guide, designed for use at Oklahoma State University, contains lists of activities for students to perform based on the "mastery of learning" concept. The activities include readings, problems, self evaluations, and assessment tasks. The units included are: Lines in a Plane, Conics, Transformations, Polar Coordinates,…

This report examines mathematical graphing utilities or function plotters for use in introductory algebra classes of more advanced courses. Each product selected for inclusion in this report is able to construct the graph of a given equation on the screen and serves as a utility which may be used by the student for an open-ended exploration of a…