One of the great strengths of mathematics is viewed as the fact that apparently diverse real-world questions translate into that same mathematical question. It is felt that studying a mathematical problem can often bring about a tool of surprisingly diverse usability. The module is geared to help users know how to use graph theory to model simple…

This unit considers the application of calculus in determining price discrimination and consumer surplus in a competitive market. Producer surplus and two-tier price discrimination are also developed in problems. It is noted that calculus cannot usually provide numerical answers for practical economic problems. The importance of calculus…

Vector analysis is viewed to play a key role in many branches of engineering and the physical sciences. This unit is geared towards deriving identities and establishing "machinery" to make derivations a routine task. It is noted that the module is not an applications unit, but has as its primary objective the goal of providing science,…

As its primary function, this publication is to provide ideas and suggestions for ways that junior high school mathematics teachers can include environmental concepts as a meaningful component of the ongoing instructional program in mathematics. It includes suggestions for activities and projects as well as environmentally-oriented problems which…

This material was developed to be used with the non college-bound student in the senior high school. It provides the student with everyday problems and experiences in which practical mathematical applications are made. The package includes worksheets pertaining to letterhead invoices, sales slips, payroll sheets, inventory sheets, carpentry and…

Using a pegboard and different colored pegs, students were able to visualize mathematical concepts, generate and solve problems, and test hypotheses. Illustrations included. (MA)

Indicates that only 21% of respondents (secondary school math teachers) used computer-assisted instruction for tutorial work, physical models to interpret abstract concepts, or real-life application of the arithmetic or algebraic manipulation. Recommends that creative teaching methods be applied to problem solving. (NKA)

Describes an exhibition of "mathematically rich" cloths. The themes chosen to be included were symmetry, number, creativity, information handling, and problem solving. The project was an outgrowth of work to take ordinary daily situations and analyze them mathematically. (PK)

Attempts to raise some of the issues involved in incorporating mathematical modelling with classroom teaching, as well as providing some background for those unfamiliar with the area. (PK)

A previous article examined the amount of fuel that could constantly burn each second and achieve a safe landing. This article investigates some ways to burn variable amounts of fuel according to some mathematical function (such as an arithmetic progression). Several assumptions (such as a massless fuel) are made. (JN)

Based on a synthesis of the literature, a model for problem posing cognitive processes was formulated, and validated. The major constructs incorporated in this framework were the situations in which problem posing occurs. For each situation, four cognitive processes were established: the editing of problems based on iconic or symbolic stimuli, the…

This document consists of the two issues of the "AMATYC Review" published during volume year 1997-1998. Designed as an avenue of communication for mathematics educators concerned with the views, ideas, and experiences of two-year college students and teachers, this journal contains articles on mathematics exposition and education, and regularly…

A case study in mathematics designed to illustrate how the computer may be instructed to solve complicated problems. The problem is to find the volume of a right truncated cone given the altitude and a half angle or the base radius. (RP)

Identified difficulties encountered in spontaneous modeling, as well as strategies, approaches, and language used in this activity. Graduate mathematics students (N=223) were asked to create a mathematical model of a biological process. Their solutions and strategies are analyzed and results described. Significant conclusions for teaching applied…

An approach to problem solving is described that is based on analysis of how fast model race cars can go. The exercises were used to replace standard time/rate/distance exercises, and were found to be greatly enjoyed by both girls and boys. (MP)