The aim of this paper is to present a teaching proposal for the theoretical part relating to the first- and second-order linear difference equations with constant coefficients suitable for the first-year students at various types of universities. In contradistinction to the methods often applied (memorization of algorithms without a proper…

This paper analyses how pre-service teachers approach the notion of the infinite limit of a sequence from two perspectives: Specialized Content Knowledge and Advanced Mathematical Thinking. The aim of this study is to identify the difficulties associated with this notion and to classify them. In order to achieve this, an exploratory qualitative…

In this study, we analyzed student participation and success in a college-level Calculus I course that utilized standards-based grading. By measuring the level to which students participate in this class structure, we were able to use a clustering algorithm that revealed multiple groupings of students that were distinct based on activity…

The first section promotes use of student notebooks in mathematics instruction as incentives for pupils to do daily work. Part two looks at a geometric interpretation of the Euclidean algorithm. The final section examines an open box problem that is thought to appear in virtually every elementary calculus book. (MP)

A method is presented for determining cube roots on a calculator with square root facility that has a rapid rate of convergence. (MP)

Three teaching ideas are presented: how to present changes between scientific notation and decimal form that eliminate some student confusion; an analysis of an incorrect algebra equation that produced a correct answer; and aspects of a standard calculus problem dealing with minimum and maximum values. (MP)

An unusual alternative starting point for instruction in a beginning calculus course that focuses on Fixed Point Iteration (FPI) is presented. (MP)

Some concrete examples of the use of historical materials in developing certain topics from precalculus and calculus are presented. Ideas which can be introduced with a reformulated curriculum are discussed in five areas: algorithms, combinatorics, logarithms, trigonometry, and mathematical models. (MNS)

A tool to aid elementary calculus students in the computation of unusual limits is reviewed. (MP)

An organized series of steps designed to help students solve related rate problems often found in beginning calculus is presented. Two example problems are taken through five steps of solution. (MP)

The papers in this report represent the imagination, analysis, and experiences of many people involved in recent curricular studies in secondary school mathematics. It differs from reports that seek broad agreement on conservative, traditional curricula, representing instead the point of view of those working with emerging electronic technology…

Parts one and two of a one-year computer-oriented calculus course (without analytic geometry) are presented. The ideas of calculus are introduced and motivated through computer (i.e., algorithmic) concepts. An introduction to computing via algorithms and a simple flow chart language allows the book to be self-contained, except that material on…

Argues that the vast majority of adults have no use for the specialized mathematics taught in high schools and required by colleges--algebra, geometry, or calculus. Suggests that colleges should accept applicants who have studied percents, formulas, logic, computer commands, and basic statistics. (TE)

The objectives of this research were to review existing computer-assisted instruction systems for propositional calculus proofs or elementary logic and to develop an instructional computer program that guides students in the valid construction of propositional calculus proofs. The system is unique in that it provides assistance at each step of the…

This textbook was designed for a first course in differential and integral calculus, and is directed toward students in engineering, the sciences, mathematics, and computer science. Its major goal is to bring students to a level of technical competence and intuitive understanding of calculus that is adequate for applying the subject to real world…