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)

The creation of "false laws" of mathematics by many pupils as they attempt to rephrase new ideas and make them understandable and useful is discussed. The reasons for these mistakes and some ways teachers can help students adopt correct rules are reviewed. (MP)

Three teaching ideas are presented: (1) the use of "factor cards" to teach the concept of greatest common factor; (2) examples and tools used in student graphing in three dimensions; and (3) ways to use cuisenaire rods, cubes, and flats to discover binomial expansions. (MP)

Special ways of using computers as a useful tool in algebra instruction are reviewed, with applications to linear equations featured. (MP)

The use of mathematical modelling as a systematic framework for solving word problems is presented. Applications for typical elementary algebra and calculus problems are featured. (MP)

Activities geared to reinforcing the skills involved in solving linear equations are given. The material is prepared on worksheets designed for duplication. Student use of calculators is suggested, and the material can aid in promoting mental computation and estimation. (MP)

Two problems are presented and discussed as a means of demonstrating that the calculator can play a more important role in the mathematics class than simply as a computational tool. (MP)

Examined relations between algebraic word-problem attributes and students' strategies, errors, and problem difficulty. Found that constructed responses capture strategy formulation and high-level planning--as do traditional measures of quantitative reasoning--but are more sensitive to individual problem characteristics and procedural errors that…

Reports findings from the team teaching of a course in mathematical problem solving designed for secondary and community college teachers to clarify the concept of ."ecessary and sufficient" conditions. Discusses assigned problems and students' incorrect interpretations. Student interpretations showed how simple mistakes can often lead to rich…

Discusses the Texas Instruments calculator the TI-92 and how it can be an effective tool in the mathematics classroom. Provides examples of combining the algebra capabilities of the calculator and Cabri-Geometry II with graphing, tables of values, statistics, programming, and a simple text editor to enhance mathematics instruction. (DDR)

Introduces Hogben's adaptation of Zeno's paradox, "Achilles and the Tortoise", as a thinking and writing exercise. Emphasizes engaging students' imagination with creative, thought-provoking problems and involving students in evaluating their word problem-solving strategies. Describes the paradox, logical solutions, and students' mathematical…

Introduces an activity, Equation Telephone, designed to improve students' ability to interpret written information and recognize equivalent forms of an equation. Discusses the activity in detail and presents examples of student responses. (KHR)

Presented is an activity where students determine the multiplication tables of groups of small order. How this can be used to help develop an understanding of the concept of group isomorphism is explained. (KR)

The recursive model presented here involves the study of drugs in the bloodstream and their subsequent elimination from the body. Both a basic and a more realistic model are presented and discussed in terms of an algebraic approach, a recursive approach, the graphical representation, and other extensions and connections particularly with models…

A way for students to refresh and use their knowledge in both mathematics and physics is presented. By the study of the properties of the "Runge-Lenz" vector the subjects of algebra, analytical geometry, calculus, classical mechanics, differential equations, matrices, quantum mechanics, trigonometry, and vector analysis can be reviewed. (KR)