Topics covered are: a game to provide drill with linear equations; the relationship between area and perimeter in a triangle; a new form for factoring polynomials; and a technique for graphing inverse functions. (MP)

A geometric approach to the solution of quadratic equations and more general polynomials is based on finding points with minimum distance from the x-axis. The approach is useful in motivating the definition of complex numbers. (SD)

A mathematical derivation is given, developing the cardioid as an epicycloid locus. Curve-stitched designs are given for a family of epicycloids. (MP)

Presents a secondary classroom investigation into mathematical modeling techniques with the graphing calculator using a match stick puzzle. Geometric models, through their corresponding area formulas, are constructed, tested, and analyzed graphically to fit specified problem conditions. (Author/MKR)

An exercise which relates particle scattering and the calculation of cross-sections to answer the following question--"Do you get wetter by walking or running through the rain?"--is described. The calculations used to answer the question are provided. (KR)

This article presents problems to challenge students over and above the standard curriculum problems assigned at a Course I level. Every additional problem in the article can be solved using only the tools provided by Course I. (AIM)

Discusses the use of a dynamic geometry software package to improve teaching of graph theory in basic graph sketching and in isomorphic, bipartite, and planar graphs. (JRH)

Presents evidence that there exists much confusion regarding the connection between the algebraic and geometric aspects of slope, scale, and angle. Participants responded to a simple but non-standard task concerning the behavior of slope under a non-homogeneous change of scale. Analysis of the responses reveals two main approaches termed…

Reports, in French, an investigation on the use of graphic representations in problem-solving tasks of the type in Spanish Mathematical Olympiads. Analysis showed that the choice and interpretation of the first graphic representation played a decisive role in the discovery of the solution. (34 references) (Author/MKR)

Equations or systems of equations can be associated with letters of the alphabet printed in the coordinate plane. Messages can be coded and decoded with a computer or by hand. (SD)

Introduces a strategy for writing equations of graphs to help students and teachers build strong conceptual connections between the symbolic representations of algebra and the spatial representations of geometry. (Author/MKR)

Similarity of parabolas and other conic sections is discussed. The theorem "Any two parabolas are similar" is deduced. (SD)

The Czechoslovakian Academy of Sciences is sponsoring an experimental approach to the modernization of the geometry curriculum. Geometry is viewed as ancillary to other parts of the curriculum and is taught as appropriate to other subjects (e.g., algebra). Combinatorial geometry is taught formally. (SD)

This is part three of a three-part SMSG mathematics text for seventh-grade students. The text was written for those students whose mathematical talent is underdeveloped and is essentially the same subject matter presented in the SMSG text. Chapter topics include: (1) measurement; (2) area and volume; (3) parallels; (4) polygons and prisms; (5)…