Describes the successful use of a computer algebra system (CAS) with a student as he worked on a problem involving functions far more difficult than he had previously encountered. (Author/NB)

Describes an activity, The Spaghetti Problem, that shows how statistics could be used to introduce many topics in the secondary mathematics curriculum. (KHR)

Discussed are some applications of mathematics involved in actuarial science which may be taught in high school mathematics classes. Described are the importance of approximate solutions, multiple answers, and selling the solution to a problem. (CW)

Describes how Suzuki's methods of teaching young pupils to play the violin can be combined with Polya's ideas on problem solving to teach mathematics to elementary school pupils. Six references are listed. (YP)

Describes ways of finding the answer to a problem for the possible sum of the three-digit numbers without using the same number repeatedly. Describes the classroom applications of the problem. Provides a computer program to obtain the solutions of the problem. (YP)

Analyzes fifth graders' approaches for solving the problem of the distance to the horizon. Describes determining the area bounded by the horizon. (YP)

Discusses the mathematics involved in comparing the purchase of an automobile with cash versus with a loan. Investigates two scenarios: (1) if a loan is taken out and the cash price is invested at a fixed rate, and (2) if cash is paid and monthly payments are invested over the period of the loan. (MDH)

Proposes that state legislatures are a laboratory for mathematics. Discusses the mathematics involved in the three income tax proposals submitted to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1991 and the effects that each plan would have on families. The proposals included a flat rate plan, a graduated rate plan, and a compromise proposal. (MDH)

Presented is the problem of determining alternative schedules for major league baseball. Equations of the schedule, conditions on the solutions, and solutions are discussed. (CW)

A Reuleaux triangle is constructed by drawing an arc connecting each pair of vertices of an equilateral triangle with radius equal to the side of the triangle. Investigates the application of drilling a square hole using a drill bit in the shape of a Reuleaux triangle. (MDH)

Examines the point of inflection in the curve determined by the hinge of a bifold door as it opens. Determines the equation of the branch function of the curve and calculates its point of inflection. (MDH)

Uses ancient Egyptian numeration system in a new setting to extend the concepts of base, place value, and correspondence. Discusses similarities and differences between the Egyptian and decimal systems. Students are asked to propose changes to make the Egyptian system easier. (LDR)

Freudenthal was the founder of realistic mathematics education, in which reality serves as a source of applications and learning. Takes a newspaper article about reproducing a Van Gogh painting using plants in a field to exemplify a rich context problem containing elements of all areas of elementary school mathematics. (MDH)

Presents a game in which if player is playing a match of this game with an opponent, at each step in the game he has to decide whether to continue or to stop. Helps students to develop a strategy for making such a decision based on the expected gain and related probabilities. (Author/ASK)

Mathematical optimization problems are not typical in the classical curriculum of mathematics. In this paper we show how several generalizations of an easy problem on optimal transportation were solved by gifted secondary school pupils in a correspondence mathematical seminar, how they can be used in university courses of linear programming and…