Two kinds of secret writing, codes and ciphers, are discussed. The weakness of a ciphering system mentioned in the March 1981 issue is pointed out, and an alternate method is presented. Programs written in BASIC are presented which can be used to encipher messages and help break ciphers. (MP)

This document explains A Programming Language (APL) and describes the experiment that the Information Processing Division has undertaken to introduce APL to the Goddard Scientific Community. A brief historical sketch of steps taken to date is included and appendices giving illustrative examples of how APL actually has been used at the Goddard…

It is noted that there are some integrals which cannot be evaluated by determining an antiderivative, and these integrals must be subjected to other techniques. Numerical integration is one such method; it provides a sum that is an approximate value for some integral types. This module's purpose is to introduce methods of numerical integration and…

Outlines an articulation program between college and industry. Describes three seminar courses using the college's computer system. Considers the benefits of the program. (Author/YP)

Useful programming tricks are suggested to allow the reduction of many equations and non-polynomial-like expressions and the subsequent application of the mathematical algorithms. (Author)

Some of the important concepts in recursive programing are detailed, along with how they can be used. Examples are provided to show how to program recursively in BASIC. (MP)

A mathematical technique for solving for the interest rate of a given annuity is explained. The technique is applied to a BASIC program that finds interest rate given the future value, number of payments, and the value of the payment. (MP)

A program written for the 16K Level II TRS-80 computer that prints a star map, using various mathematical formulas to compute positions of the stars and the moon and displays them on terminals, is discussed. Some relevant astronomical background and terminology are covered in order to aid understanding. (MP)

A computer simulation of the Buffon Needle Problem for estimating the value of pi is discussed. (MP)

Computer programing and problem-solving steps in mathematics are viewed to have related concepts. Some heuristics are compared with some suggestions for structured programing. The one fundamental difference between problem solving in general and when using the computer is seen as the computer solution must be finite. The computer is viewed as a…

Suggested is an approach to computer education that has as its basis a specific application, as opposed to computer technology as an end in itself. (MP)

The need for the instruction of computer literacy in schools is advocated, along with programing courses beyond this basic level. (MP)

Teaching ideas that focus on reading data generated by a computer, input media with emphasis on one type of punched card, flowcharting, and simple program writing to solve word problems are provided on worksheets designed for classroom use. (MP)

Describes an approach to teaching interactive computing for physics students beginning with the use of BASIC and video terminals during the first year of study (includes writing solution programs for practical problems). Second year students learn FORTRAN and apply it to interpolation, numerical integration, and differential equations. (JM)