A geometric method for constructing one infinite geometric series is described. The unit of the sum of the series is analyzed, and the behavior of the sum near two points is studied. (DT)

Describes a calculus review game based on the popular game show "Wheel of Fortune." (Author/NB)

A discrete version of L'Hopital's Rule is presented, with a proof. This version enables one to evaluate the limit and handle other similar problems. (MNS)

Gives an example of one danger of using graphing software without an accompanying mathematical analysis by illustrating what might happen if a student were capable of dealing with the drawing of the complete graph of a function only by using a technological tool. (MKR)

Explores first-year students' understanding of fundamental calculus concepts using written tests and interviews. Analysis of the written and verbal responses to the test items revealed significant misconceptions on which students' mathematical activities were based. Describes some of those misconceptions and errors relating to students'…

Presents a murder mystery in the form of five Calculus I worksheets in which students must apply mathematics to determine which of the suspects committed the murder. Concludes that effort was made to create scenarios that realistically lend themselves to the use of mathematics. (Author/ASK)

Explores a method of teaching called Peer Instruction. Describes how Peer Instruction was implemented in physics and summarizes the results. Discusses the way in which Peer Instruction was modified to be used in an introductory single variable calculus course. (Author/ASK)

Reviews recent research into the effectiveness of the graphing calculator as a tool for instruction and learning within precalculus and calculus, specifically in the study of functions, graphing, and modeling. Contends that much research fails to provide clear guidance or informed debate regarding the role of graphing calculators in mathematics…

Pre- and posttests and interviews concerning misconceptions and alternate conceptions of rates of change were administered to (n=42) students in first-semester calculus using a conceptually-motivated curriculum. Suggests that an emphasis on visual representations through construction and interpretation in conjunction with teacher-student analysis…

Most people learn to drive without knowing how the engine works. In a similar vein, the author believes that students can learn economics without knowing the algebra and calculus underlying the results. If instructors follow the philosophy of other economics courses in using graphs to illustrate the results, and draw the graphs accurately, then…

Three major techniques are employed to calculate [pi]. Namely, (i) the perimeter of polygons inscribed or circumscribed in a circle, (ii) calculus based methods using integral representations of inverse trigonometric functions, and (iii) modular identities derived from the transformation theory of elliptic integrals. This note presents a…

An elementary method, based on the use of complex variables, is proposed for solving the equation of motion of a simple harmonic oscillator. The method is first applied to the equation of motion for an undamped oscillator and it is then extended to the more important case of a damped oscillator. It is finally shown that the method can readily be…

Many students, when they take an elementary differential equations course for the first time, bring with them misconceptions from numerical methods that they had learnt in their calculus courses, most notable of which concerns the mesh width in using a numerical method. It is important that we strive to dispel any of these misconceptions as well…

This paper describes how the method of steepest descent can be used to find periodic solutions of differential equations. Applications to two suspension bridge models are discussed, and the method is used to find non-obvious large-amplitude solutions.

This note explores ways in which the Fibonacci numbers can be used to introduce difference equations as a prelude to differential equations. The rationale is that the formal aspects of discrete mathematics can provide a concrete introduction to the mechanisms of solving difference and differential equations without the distractions of the analytic…