A mathematical model of a regional interlibrary loan system was developed as a tool for the design and evaluation of a strategy to equalize the load of Interlibrary Loans (ILL) of libraries in the system. The load-leveling capability of several algorithms for representing each library's ILL activity was tested. (Author/VT)

A six-step method of teaching subtraction by renaming is presented, using money as the learning vehicle. (MP)

Presents a justification of the belief that science and art can be successfully combined. The computer's merits are viewed as a potential modelbuilder for the formalization of aesthetic concepts. The rest of the paper details recent and current research on such uses of the machine. (VT)

Investigates the feasibility of using a distance measure for automatic sequential document classification. This property of the distance measure is used to design a sequential classification algorithm which classifies key words and analyzes them separately in order to assign primary and secondary classes to a document. (VT)

Reviewing addition through the use of palindromes is discussed. A rule for converting any number into a palindrome is presented. (MP)

The use of the calculator is suggested in teaching algorithms for the four basic operations, in place of any difficult standard algorithm. (MP)

Algorithms for generating random numbers are discussed along with disadvantages. A program for a programable calculator is given that overcomes those disadvantages. (MP)

Discusses the fraction system developed by the ancient Egyptians. Includes puzzles and number-theory problems. (MA)

The general management simulation game, Tempomatic IV is used in a comparison of ranking and relational performance evaluation procedures. Results indicate that the relational approach has clear advantages over ranking approaches, especially in generating more useful information. Also, reliance on mechanically generated scores can lead to…

The author redefines basic numeracy as the ability to use a four-function calculator sensibly. He then defines "sensibly" and considers the place of algorithms in the scheme of mathematical calculations. (MN)

Competence is defined as the knowledge of a mature speaker of a language, irrespective of questions about acquisition. It is questioned whether there can be a procedure for generating sentences as a model of this competence; it is concluded that there cannot be a precise, non-random model for competence. (CHK)

Reviews aspects of the relationship between machine learning and information retrieval. Highlights include learning programs that extend from knowledge-sparse learning to knowledge-rich learning; the role of the thesaurus; knowledge bases; artificial intelligence; weighting documents; work frequency; and merging classification structures. (78…

Provides several algorithms that use extended precision methods to compute large factorials exactly. The programs are written in BASIC and PASCAL. The approach used for computing N considers how large N is, how the built-in limitation on exact integer representation can be bypassed, and how long it takes to compute N. (JN)

The forum is focused on thinking about and with algorithms as a way of unifying all one's mathematical endeavors. The lead article by Maurer presents examples and discussion of this point. Responses, often disagreeing with his views, are by Douglas, Korte, Hilton, Renz, Smorynski, Hammersley, and Halmos. (MNS)

Presents a general mathematical framework for information retrieval, in which query evaluation is seen as a mapping from the free term algebra built by query descriptors and weights to the semantic algebra of evaluation value. Competing mathematical models that try to describe how retrieval systems behave are reviewed. (Author/MBR)