Three one-dimensional maps are presented. The maps are analysed with a combination of Feigenbaum diagrams, the calculation of global Lyapunov exponents, and the evaluation of fixed points. It is shown that in certain cases period two orbits can be evaluated by careful observation of the form of the related pairs of equations. A range of classroom…

We adapt the Lanchester combat model to represent conflict between vampires and humans. It is assumed that vampires attack humans during the hours of darkness whilst humans attack vampires during the hours of light. The right-hand side of the differential equation model therefore depends upon the hour of the day. A key insight is that to answer…

We automate and randomize the building of linear systems with a parameter, appropriate for assigning to students. When the parameter takes on a specific value, the system has no solutions. When the parameter takes on a different value, the system has an infinite number of solutions.

In this article, we state an interesting geometric conservation property between the three angle bisectors of three similar right triangles and provide a proof without words for its justification. A GeoGebra applet is also presented to help with the understanding of the progression of the proof from inductive to deductive stage.

For a given rational number r, a classical theorem of Niven asserts that if cos(rp) is rational, then cos(rp) [element-of] {0,±1,±1/2}. In this note, we extend Niven's theorem to quadratic irrationalities and present an elementary proof of that.

The logistic differential equation is ubiquitous in calculus and differential equations textbooks. If the model is developed from first principles in these courses, it is usually done in an abstract mathematical way, rather than in one based in ecology. In this short note, we look at examples of how the model is derived in mathematical texts and…

The concept of function is critical in mathematics in general and abstract algebra in particular. We observe, however, that much of the research on functions in abstract algebra (1) reports widespread student difficulties, and (2) focuses on specific types of functions, including binary operation, homomorphism, and isomorphism. Direct, detailed…

Calculus is perhaps the most widely taught and researched upper-secondary/post-secondary mathematics subject the world over. The research literature is amassing greater clarity around students' understandings of calculus, yet calculus instruction tends to be at odds with this literature, maintaining a focus on procedural aspects of the subject.…

We offer ways that the inspection paradox can be usefully presented, even in the most elementary statistics courses, and provide guidance about how it can be revisited subsequently in the same course and in succeeding courses. Numerous situations in which the inspection paradox might occur are mentioned, and mathematically simple demonstrations…

In the United States, calls for improved K-12 learning opportunities in mathematics have shifted focus in school district offices from bureaucratic pursuits to instructional improvement efforts. Yet, district leaders often receive little guidance on how to achieve these goals. Further, although widely recognized that content-specificity matters in…

This paper focuses on the definitions and the mis-out and mis-in examples of rational numbers that four prospective elementary teachers presented while working on rational number assignments. The participants were first asked to respond, individually, to an Individual Rational Number Assignment, consisting of items aiming at detecting their…

Collaborative learning is a group learning paradigm in which individuals or students work together to solve problems or complete tasks, exemplifying the essence of collective educational efforts. There are a lot of collaborative learning methods available; however, finding one that is suitable for the complex nature of mathematical problem-solving…

Hands-on experiments with overturning some prisms (partially filled with water) lead students to a conjecture which can be confirmed by using a 3D geometry programme and reinterpreting the process of "overturning of a prism" in an appropriate way. But such confirmations are not a proof and particularly cannot answer the question…

Who doesn't love a good story? In this article, the authors share how teachers can utilize the idea of mathematical stories to significantly enhance existing lessons. They use a creative framework to reimagine lessons as mathematical stories and make lessons more engaging for students. The authors will first describe how to think about a lesson…

Leading on from a paper published in the previous edition of the "AMEJ" (Kissane, 2023), which looked at scientific calculators and irrational numbers, Barry Kissane now turns his attention to the attributes of modern calculators as environments for learning about rational numbers.