An investigation of these numbers is shown to give students an opportunity to make use of such mathematical skills as algebraic substitution, modular arithmetic, counting arguments, and mathematical induction. (MP)

To improve mathematics skills of freshmen, the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has instituted a mathematics placement test and a summer algebra and trigonometry review program. (BB)

An example is given of a class of problems whose solutions require the use of a scientific calculator in order to plot the graphs. (MP)

The five mathematics problems to be solved by high school students participating in the Fifth U.S.A. Mathematical Olympiad are given. (DT)

A method is given for generalizing Pascal's triangle to three dimensions. (DT)

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)

In posttest results, 76 prealgebra students who learned about functions in a unit emphasizing multiple formats, anchoring learning in a thematic context, and problem solving in cooperative groups were more successful at problem solving and problem representation than were 56 comparison students conventionally taught. Similar results were found for…

Suggests that, for some classes of functions, an algebraic method is available that provides a nonstandard application of the discriminant conditions as well as an exact method of optimization for precalculus students. Examples are given, and students should compare these methods with others regarding generality, ease, and efficiency. (AIM)

Discusses imprecision in multimedia data on the Web and proposes a formal framework in which to formulate powerful queries and presentations of the answers. Introduces a fuzzy-based algebra which allows user preferences, in the form of weights, to alter query expression, and presents algorithms for the evaluation of similarity-based queries.…

Presents a series of questions designed to help convince students that mathematics is useful, current, and newsworthy through solving systems of linear equations in real world contexts. (KHR)

Presents students' various solutions to a word problem. (KHR)

Presents responses to a problem that appeared in the May 2000 issue. The problem was to determine different ways to divide 8 cookies between 3 people. Includes student work from grades 1, 3, and 5. (KHR)

Invites students to try magic-number tricks and discover how and why they work. (Author)

Presents an overview of the 6-8 Standards and their rationale. Demonstrates the need for a cohesive mathematics curriculum. (YDS)

Reflects on one teacher's strategies for facilitating discourse in his classroom--creating an environment in which student ideas are the basis of discussion yet ensuring productive mathematics. (YDS)