Timing stoplights and trying to determine the best way to allocate cycle time to the two directions is discussed. The simple case and improving the model are both considered. (MNS)

Problems set in the real world help students see the relevance of mathematics. Topics that provide sources of real problems are discussed, with examples: mazes, packing, and networks. (MNS)

One mathematician's view of real problems is given. Described (with some humor) are magic retail numbers, the highway bypass, the elliptical table, and the senior-class schedule. (MNS)

The relations between a cultural fund of general knowledge and knowledge-in-use were investigated by observing the arithmetical practices of ten women enrolled in the Weight Watchers program. Apparently, the precision of dieters' measurements is dependent on situation and everyday context. Often, subjects' knowledge-in-use exceeded the general…

Using data about companies with which children have first-hand experience (such as McDonald's or Mattel Toys) piques interest in graphing activities. How the project is developed, with group and individual activities, is described. (MNS)

A way to schedule tournament tennis matches so time-use is improved is presented. The mathematical application of a linear function is described in some detail. (MNS)

This section contains brief articles on triangular differences, when one is not equal to one, using calculators to check solutions of quadratic equations, and a county agents' problem. (MNS)

Examples of mathematical problems which arise outside the classroom situation are presented. The author suggests that the conceiving and solving of such problems by students would be a good way to provide the students with applications of the mathematics they learn. (JP)

Explains how mathematics might be more efficiently used in educational administration. Reviews some recent developments reported in the social science literature on the uses of mathematics in political science, sociology, and economics. Provides some illustrations of how these developments could lead to similar applications in both the practice…

The problems of determining the rectangle having maximal area given a constant perimeter, given a constant total for three sides, and given a constant total for the perimeter plus a perpendicular bisector of a side are all discussed. (DT)

Details are provided of a program on actuarial training developed at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton through the Department of Mathematical Sciences. An outline of its operation, including a few statistics on students in the program, is included. (MP)

A problem in applied mathematics is presented that is thought fit for a study project by secondary students. The analysis includes topics in beginning algebra, theory of interest, and theory of sums of series of infinite length and looks at trade-offs between price and mileage. (MP)

The demise of mathematics of finance as a subject is discussed and a resurgence is seen as possible, but the traditional instructional presentation is seen as in need of modernization. Financial mathematics is referred to as a beautiful subject when inflation is incorporated, provided that calculators are used in computations. (Author/MP)

The problems many students have on the senior high school mathematics functional literacy test in Florida are discussed. Instructional exercises designed to improve students' reading comprehension of word problems are noted, and prototypes of some of the exercises viewed as more useful are provided. (MP)

High school students are warned against service station fraud. A problem-solving section is designed to help students calculate consumer costs for various fraudulent transactions. Several ways of reducing fraud or of lessening the chances of problems are noted. (MP)