A generalization of the golden ratio is made, called the silver ratio. Some examples where the golden ratio appears are provided so that the silver ratio appears. (MNS)

Suggests ways in which mathematical models can be presented and developed in the classroom to promote discussion, analysis, and understanding of issues related to energy consumption. Five problems deal with past trends and future projections of availability of a nonrenewable resource, natural gas. (Contains 13 references.) (MDH)

Project questions are real-world problems with multiple solutions, no obvious solution sequence, requiring hands-on data collection, and investigation of topics within and outside mathematics. Discusses evaluation of solution processes, describes a detailed example involving the trajectory of a baseball, and suggests 19 other project questions.…

Reviews the history of the concept of function, looks at its relationship with other sciences, and discusses its use in the study of real world situations. Discusses the process of constructing mathematical models of function and emphasizes the importance of the roles of the numerical, graphical, and algebraic representational forms. (MDH)

Explored are the distributions of residual components in two model systems. A system of components with exponentially distributed lifetimes and the two-dimensional "leaf model" in which objects fall on a plane with positions independent and normally distributed are discussed. Included are the definition, application, computations, and theorem. (KR)

The problem of determining the most energy-efficient strategy to use in approaching a traffic light that is sighted at an unknown phase in its cycle is discussed. Included are calculations, results, and conclusions. (KR)

Described are some ways in which individual states code driver's license numbers. The encoding of month, date of birth, year of birth, sex, and others involving elementary mathematics and the use of an elaborate system of hashing functions in describing the first, middle, and last names are discussed. (KR)

Presented is a combinatorial problem based on the Hash House Harriers rule which states that the route of the run should not have previously been traversed by the club. Discovered is how many weeks the club can meet before the rule has to be broken. (KR)

School mathematics curriculum worldwide has failed to bridge the gap between school mathematics and out-of-school problem-solving activities. Presented is the need for a mathematics curriculum unifying the civil, academic, bureaucratic, and school social domains to prepare students as functional citizens. (MDH)

In phase I of an Ohio project, 10 high school teams completed technical projects based on a fictitious manufacturer. In phase II, local industries provided reality-based projects for teams of math, science, and technology teachers and students. (SK)

Argues that the correct use of positive and negative signs in textbooks is often ignored and that this misuse might be because the authors are unaware of some basic rules. (DDR)

Argues that reform in curriculum and instruction should be based on students resolving problems rather than mastering skills and applying them. An alternative is proposed that builds on John Dewey's "reflective inquiry," arguing that this approach would facilitate students' understanding. This proposal is compared with other views on the…

Discusses approaches to teaching mathematical problem solving in the context of number, including encouraging children to write number stories to consolidate their conceptual understanding and technical competence. The use of computers to explore mathematical concepts is discussed, and examples of how number squares can be used are provided. (CR)

This book explores teaching techniques and adaptations that have proven effective in teaching mathematics concepts and skills to students with learning disabilities, with a focus on reasoning methods rather than algorithmic calculation. Emphasis is placed on topics that potentially can or commonly do cause the most difficulty for students with…

This Australian document is a guide to teaching mathematics as it relates to specific work situations. After a brief introduction, chapter 1 looks at problem solving, advises teachers to lower the reading level and thus raise the understandability of written math problems, and describes a four-step problem-solving process. Chapter 2 outlines a…