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…

Presents an easy-to-use Applesoft BASIC program that graphs rational functions and any asymptotes that the functions might have. Discusses the nature of rational functions, graphing them manually, employing a computer to graph rational functions, and describes how the program works. (TW)

Explores alternative strategies to solve algebraic equations that do not lend themselves to traditional methods. Examines one nontraditional equation by a graphical approach using a graphing utility and by a numerical approach using spreadsheets. Discusses new basic skills for algebra utilizing technology. Provides a computer program to solve…

Discusses several ways in which the Logo programming language can be used to experiment with and learn about matrices. Describes procedures for developing a Logo tool to establish a matrix representation, as well as others for adding, subtracting, and transposing. (TW)

Provides several examples of the use of Logo in working with fractions and manipulating vectors. Includes an exercise which deals with the relationship between the two and several exercises which address various problems using different kinds of fractions. (TW)

Activities for enhancing students' understanding and interpreting of graphical information is provided. Four worksheets and answers are given. (YP)

Considered are several mathematical models that can be used to study different waiting situations. Problems involving waiting at a red light, bank, restaurant, and supermarket are discussed. A computer program which may be used with these problems is provided. (CW)

Astro Algebra is one of six titles in the Mighty Math Series from Edmark, a comprehensive line of math software for students from kindergarten through ninth grade. Many of the activities in Astro Algebra contain a unique technology that uses the computer to help students make the connection between concrete and abstract mathematics. This software…

Describes a process of mathematical investigation involving generalized Fibonacci sequences. Provides the derivation using expressions, BASIC programs, and numerical verification. (YP)

This is a collection of Pascal programs that were developed for a 1986 National Science Foundation-sponsored high school teachers' summer workshop. The programs can be used as a means of extending or enriching textbook material in either high school mathematics or Pascal courses. Some suggested uses are: (1) teacher demonstrations in mathematics…

Activities which may be used to investigate a variety of woven patterns are presented. Pattern predicting and analysis of different patterns are discussed. A Basic computer program for the weaving code is given. (CW)

This article, which is organized around a single, well-known algorithm for root extraction, presents a way of incorporating dynamical systems into the teaching of mathematics. Included are sample exercises using complex numbers and the computer where students have the opportunity to do some analysis on this algorithm. (KR)

This paper describes a computer simulation of Buffon's needle problem. The problem considers the probability that a needle will cross a line when the needle is thrown in a random way onto the parallel lines a certain distance apart. The paper provides the algorithm and computer program. (YP)

Utilizes LOGO to teach the concept of inequalities by programing the turtle to take random walks in the coordinate plane restricted to predetermined regions defined by inequalities. The students task is to discover the inequalities that define the illegal areas into which the turtle must not move. Provides examples and corresponding computer…

Presented are exercises that demonstrate the application of standard concepts in the design of algorithms for plotting certain fractals. The exercises can be used in any course that explains the concepts of bounded or unbounded planar sets and may serve as an application in a course on complex analysis. (KR)