For integrals consisting of rational functions of sine and cosine a set of little known rules known as the Bioche rules are considered. The rules, which consist of testing the differential form of the integral for invariance under one of three simple substitutions x [right arrow] -- x, [pi] -- x, and [pi] + x, allow one to decide which of the…

This study investigates the problem-solving strategies employed by ninth-grade students when addressing symbolic and real-world contextual problems involving trigonometric ratios. Conducted with 46 ninth-grade students from a Turkish public high school, this research employed a worksheet consisting of six problems aligned with the Turkish…

This article presents a task providing college students opportunities to build on their high school knowledge of trigonometry to explore parametric equations and inverse trigonometric relationships within a contextual learning ladder problem.

The aim of this study is to analyse undergraduate students' understanding of polar coordinates based on two theories, Action, Process, Object and Schema (APOS) and Onto-Semiotic Approach (OSA). These two theories complement each other and each of them separately has been used in many research to explore students' performance of mathematical…

In this paper, we explored the type of mathematical connections Grade 11 learners make when solving two-dimensional (2D) trigonometric problems in an Activity-Based Learning (ABL) environment. We followed a qualitative case study design within an interpretive paradigm. Convenience sampling was used to select a whole class of 45 Grade 11 learners…

The goal of the paper is to pay attention to some important techniques and approaches including adequate designations as a tool for unambiguous understanding and a key to success in solving problems, vivid visual images as a mnemonic techniques, and special formulas as a universal tool for solving typical problems, when teaching medical students…

If students are asked, "What is the world water crisis?" how would they respond? In the authors precalculus classes, this question is often met with blank stares and students avoiding eye contact. Many students are unaware of the world water crisis--what it is, why it is, or who it affects. Even fewer realize the utility of trigonometry…

Educational technologies develop quickly. Which functions of face-to-face education can be substituted by technology for distance learning? One of the risks of online education is the lack of embodied interactions. We investigate what embodied interactive technologies might offer for teaching trigonometry when learning at a distance. In a multiple…

This study examines how joint exploration is established and maintained among students and the teacher in secondary mathematics classrooms. We use the theoretical perspective of positioning to conceptualize joint exploration as involving the negotiation and coordination among participants to position students with epistemic agency and authority.…

In this paper, we highlight examples from school mathematics in which invariance did not receive the attention it deserves. We describe how problems related to invariance stimulated the interest of both teachers and students. In school mathematics, invariance is of particular relevance in teaching and learning geometry. When permitted change…

In support of efforts to foreground functions as central objects of study in algebra, this study provides evidence of how secondary students use trigonometric functions in contextual tasks. I examined secondary students' work on a problem involving modeling the periodic motion of a Ferris wheel through the use of a visual programming environment.…

Smartphones used as tools provide opportunities for the teaching of the concepts of accuracy and precision and the mathematical concept of arctan. The accuracy and precision of a trigonometric experiment using entirely mechanical tools is compared to one using electronic tools, such as a smartphone clinometer application and a laser pointer. This…

How do students think about an angle measure of ninety degrees? How do they think about ratios and values on the unit circle? How might angle measure be used to connect right-triangle trigonometry and circular functions? And why might asking these questions be important when introducing trigonometric functions to students? When teaching…

The answers offered by computer algebra systems (CAS) can sometimes differ from those expected by the students or teachers. The comparison of the students' answers and CAS answers could provide ground for discussion about equivalence and correctness. Investigating the students' comparison of the answers gives the possibility to study different…

Background: This article reports on an analysis of errors that were displayed by students who studied mathematics in Chemical Engineering in derivatives of mostly trigonometric functions. The poor performance of these students triggered this study. The researcher (lecturer) works in a mathematics support programme to enhance students'…