This study explores student flexibility in mathematics by examining the relationship between accuracy and strategy use for solving arithmetic and algebra problems. Core to procedural flexibility is the ability to select and accurately execute the most appropriate strategy for a given problem. Yet the relationship between strategy selection and…

Sixty (35 girls) ninth graders were assessed on measures of algebraic reasoning and usage of visual and symbolic representations (with a prompt for visual use) to solve equations and inequalities. The study grouped visual representations into two categories: arithmetic-visual, which entailed the use of real-world objects to represent specific…

Presents a method for solving linear equations involving the use of inverses instead of memorizing rules. (MKR)

A possible method of derivation of prescriptions for solving problems, found in Babylonian cuneiform texts, is presented. It is a kind of "geometric algebra" based mainly on one figure and the manipulation of or within various areas and segments. (MNS)

Identifying the larger (L), smaller (S) and difference (D) of two real numbers, and then selecting the appropriate relationship between L, D, and S can help students solve algebra word problems. (SD)

Two mathematical topics are interpreted from the viewpoints of traditional (performing algorithms) and contemporary (creating algorithms and thinking in terms of them for solving problems and developing theory) algorithmic mathematics. The two topics are Horner's method for evaluating polynomials and Gauss's method for solving systems of linear…

An approach to using the method of least squares, a scheme for computing the best-fitting line directly from a set of points, is detailed. The material first looks at fitting a numerical value to a set of numbers. This provides tools for solving the line-fitting problem. (MP)

Topics covered include alternate methods for finding LCM and GCF, imaginative word problems, and a primes-breakdown method of factoring quadratics. (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)

Reports results obtained when 24 14-year-old students were presented with algebra tasks by a computer-based modeling system and, four months later, comparable paper and pencil tests together with detailed interviews. Comparison of the results revealed profound misunderstandings of algebraic notation and identified classes of strategies used by…

LOGO is a programming language developed at Bolt, Beranek and Newman, Inc., specifically for use in teaching. It provides the student with a set of numerical and symbolic primitives as elements for gradually building extended, complex program structures. The building of these structures is facilitated by a procedure-oriented programming heuristic…

A method for teaching students to solve complex algebraic equations is described. The method, which relies on sequentially reducing the complexity of the problem has been successfully used with secondary students and in remedial college courses. (SD)

An attempt is made to show that algebra is rarely obvious, and merely expecting children to learn rules is an oversimplification. Sections cover: (1) The Non-visual Nature of Algebra; (2) The Apparently Arbitrary Nature of Algebra; (3) The Relationship Between Symbolism, System and Question; (4) The Complex Nature of Algebra; and (5) Some…

Examples are provided which demonstrate the use of the computer as an instructional aid for the algebra curriculum. While the basic content of an algebra course would remain intact, computer technology can enhance and expand methods of algebra instruction. (JN)