We adapt the Lanchester combat model to represent conflict between vampires and humans. It is assumed that vampires attack humans during the hours of darkness whilst humans attack vampires during the hours of light. The right-hand side of the differential equation model therefore depends upon the hour of the day. A key insight is that to answer…

The hanging rope problem is considered. The rope is subject to rotation with the rotation axis being parallel to the rope. Using a continuum model and the basic principles of dynamics, the differential equation governing the motion is derived. The dynamic equilibrium case without vibrational motion is assumed in deriving the equation. The equation…

Nowadays, it is essential to promote an interdisciplinary approach in classrooms, integrating disciplines such as biology and mathematics. This necessitates familiarity with specific problem-solving practices employed by the expert community, such as mathematical modelling. This perspective piece explores a mathematical modelling practice to…

Differential equations (DEs) are a powerful tool for modeling real-world contexts. Most research in this area has examined students' understanding and reasoning with pre-packaged DEs, with little attention being given to setting up sophisticated DEs to model complicated real-world situations. This study contributes through a collective case study…

Mathematical modelling has acquired relevance in different fields at an international level, both in education and research. This article states that, throughout the construction of the theoretical corpus of this mathematical process and competency -- among others -- two big issues have occurred: one of terminological nature since the definitions…

Models-and-modeling perspective (MMP) is a problem-solving and learning perspective in mathematics education. Although modeling processes have been addressed widely in the international discussion on mathematical modeling, a homogeneous understanding has not been established yet. Hence, the field needs studies addressing the epistemological…

In this paper, we draw on recent research on so-called Fermi problems and situate the fundamental principles underlying this type of tasks and their use from a task design perspective. We use the models and modelling perspective on teaching and learning to elaborate on aspects related to the design of single-use, as well as sequences of, Fermi…

This paper introduces the basic knowledge of integral factors of first-order ordinary differential equations and Lie symmetry analysis. It then discusses the principle of constructing an integral factor of the first-order ordinary differential equation by the Lie symmetric method. Finally, it presents some examples to show the process of…

Mathematical modelling is an interlinking process between mathematics and real-world problems that can be applied as a means to increase motivation, develop cognitive competencies, and enhance the ability to transfer mathematical knowledge to other areas of science, such as engineering disciplines. This study was designed to investigate the effect…

The notion of function is central in all of the secondary curriculum, and indeed functional models appear in almost all higher education that is based on mathematics. However, in secondary education, functions usually appear in restricted and somewhat sterile forms. In this (mostly theoretical) paper, we present a proposal -- exemplified by a…

Critical thinking is a key transversal competency of the 21st century, but some students have difficulty, especially during the transition to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify epistemological obstacles in critical thinking related to proof, generalization, alternative answers, and problem-solving. This…

Open mathematical modelling problems that can be solved with multiple methods and have multiple possible results are an important part of school curricula in mathematics and science. Solving open modelling problems in school should prepare students to apply their mathematical knowledge in their current and future lives. One characteristic of these…

Problem posing is a promising teaching method for enhancing motivation and performance in mathematics and more specifically in mathematical modelling. Hence, the goals of our study were twofold: (1) to examine the effects of problem posing on modelling performance, self-efficacy, and task values in solving modelling problems, and (2) to analyze…

Problem solving in chemical kinetics poses substantial challenges for university students since it often involves significant use of mathematics as a tool and language, with challenging translations and transitions between chemical phenomena and mathematical representations. In this paper, we present key findings from a study investigating…

This study aimed to explore preservice elementary teachers' use of a bar model as a heuristic for conceptualising relationships between quantities in situations involving ratio and percentages. As a part of a larger project, we focused on two preservice teachers, Maia and Jane, and investigated their solution paths in ratio and percentage problems…