Poses a practical woodwork problem in which maximizing the perimeter of a square-based pyramid is required. The pyramid is constructed from four identical trapezia to be cut from a given rectangle of wood. A simple mathematical analysis suggests a number of different strategies for the solution of the problem. (Author/NB)

Describes the use of a purposefully designed set of problems borrowed from a variety of critical thinking activity books and selected to motivate, excite, and engage students in the learning process. Helps students develop a deeper, more conceptual understanding of mathematics by incorporating these problems into a beginning algebra course.…

The values of a polynomial with integer coefficients can be computed using a graphing calculator, but it is impossible to see the formula itself. Suggests finding this formula from numerical data and describes the unusual way to solve this problem with one calculation only. (Author/NB)

Describes three types of mathematics problems that are useful in promoting algebraic reasoning in the elementary school. (Author/NB)

Application of quadratic equations to standard problem in chemistry like finding equilibrium concentrations of ions in an acid solution is explained. This clearly shows that pure mathematical analysis has meaningful applications in other areas as well.

This note gives geometrical/graphical methods of finding solutions of the quadratic equation ax[squared] + bx + c = 0, a [not equal to] 0, with non-real roots. Three different cases which give rise to non-real roots of the quadratic equation have been discussed. In case I a geometrical construction and its proof for finding the solutions of the…

Research studies have shown that students encounter difficulties in transitioning from arithmetic to algebra. Errors made by high school students were analyzed for patterns and their causes. The origins of errors were: intuitive assumptions, failure to understand the syntax of algebra, analogies with other familiar symbol systems such as the…

Every student should understand and use all concepts and skills from the previous grade levels. The standard is designed so that new learning builds on preceding skills. Communications, Problem-solving, Reasoning & Proof, Connections, and Representation are the process standards that are embedded throughout the teaching and learning of all…

Every student should understand and use all concepts and skills from the previous grade levels. The standard is designed so that new learning builds on preceding skills. Communications, Problem-solving, Reasoning & Proof, Connections, and Representation are the process standards that are embedded throughout the teaching and learning of all…

This article proposes an instructional idea where students can figure out an individual's secret personal information using the power of mathematics, particularly the power of algebraic thinking. The proposed examples in this article start with a personalized context that other people do not know and end up with generalized patterns of solutions.…

"Principles and Standards for School Mathematics" (NCTM 2000) proposes that mathematics instruction provide opportunities for students to engage in mathematical inquiry and in meaning-making through discourse. Mathematics teachers are encouraged to build on student discoveries in designing subsequent instruction. In this article, the author…