This study investigates how the use of calculators during high school mathematics courses is associated with student performance in introductory college calculus courses in the USA. Data were drawn from a nationally representative sample of 7087 students enrolled in college calculus at 134 colleges and universities. They included information about…

"The Language of Mathematics in Science" is an ASE/Nuffield project aimed at supporting teachers of 11-16 science in the use of mathematical ideas in the science curriculum. Two publications have been produced. This article focuses on the first of these, "The Language of Mathematics in Science: A Guide for Teachers of 11-16…

The integration of digital technology confronts teachers, educators and researchers with many questions. What is the potential of ICT for learning and teaching, and which factors are decisive in making it work in the mathematics classroom? To investigate these questions, six cases from leading studies in the field are described, and decisive…

If students are to understand inferential statistics successfully, they must have a profound understanding of the nature of the sampling distribution. Specifically, they must comprehend the determination of the expected value and standard error of a sampling distribution as well as the meaning of the central limit theorem. Many students in a high…

Repeatedly taking the square root with a calculator yields numbers with logarithmic-type properties, which can be used to define the logarithm functions. (MP)

An engineering professional argues that the graphing calculator is simply a pedagogical tool no more useful than the answer key in the mathematics text.

A method for finding logarithms is outlined. Four-function calculators are used to simplify the computation for those who enjoy experimenting with numbers. (MNS)

A procedure for helping students to calculate logarithms with any calculator that has a square root function is outlined. (MNS)

Shows a direct solution for factoring trinomials, without trial and error, using a calculator. When a calculator is not available, the mathematical chore is eased somewhat using reference tables, as shown in two noncalculator methods (determining nonfactorability and factorability). (JN)

The problem of finding cube roots when limited to a calculator with only square root capability is discussed. An algorithm is demonstrated and explained which should always produce a good approximation within a few iterations. (MP)

Continued fractions and associated sequences are viewed to constitute a rich area of study for mathematics students, by supporting instruction on algebraic and computational skills, mathematical induction, convergence of sequences, and interpretation of function graphs. An iterative method of approximating square roots opens suggestions for…

A method for approximating the nth root of any positive number that requires only a four-function calculator with a square-root key and repeat multiplication capability is given. (MN)

Describes a process which allows students to explore repeating decimals without being inhibited by the limitations of the calculator display. In addition, the process can take some of the mystery from the decimal forms of rational numbers. (JN)

An approach to equation solving using calculators that promotes the trial-and-error method as a useful strategy when combined with calculators is presented. The approach is specifically geared towards the secondary schools as a way of moving to harder equations that the linear and quadratic ones traditionally used. (MP)

The intent of this paper is to suggest and illustrate how electronic hand-held calculators, especially non-programmable ones with limited data-storage capacity, can be used to advantage by students in one particular aspect of work with polynomial functions. The basic mathematical background upon which calculator application is built is summarized.…