Multi-line-multi-operation calculators such as the TI-80 provide eighth-grade prealgebra and algebra students with significantly better computational tools for basic order-of-operation problems involving integers and signed rational numbers than do calculators offering only last-entry-or-result displays. Effects are more apparent for weaker…

Algebra word problems were analyzed in terms of the information integration tasks that are required to solve the problems. These tasks were classified into three levels: value assignment, value derivation, and equation construction. Novices (35 first year algebra students) and experts (13 analytic geometry students) were compared on the proportion…

Literature in mathematic problem-solving suggests that learners store information in memory which helps them solve stereotyped algebra word problems. Cluster analysis has been used as an exploratory tool to infer the types of problems which have common representations in memory. This study compares the results of a hierarchical cluster analysis of…

Some properties of perfect numbers are illustrated. (SD)

An algebraic development of the Fibonnaci sequence, appropriate for use in beginning algebra classes, is presented. (SD)

The history of alligation problems as a part of the mathematics curriculum is briefly reviewed, and the non-unique nature of the solutions to many problems is discussed. (SD)

This article presents a simple procedure to generate a sequence of rational numbers converging on the square root of 2, yielding common fraction approximations that motivate and illuminate the definition of real numbers based on rationals. Examples suggest that any irrational number can be approximated as closely as desired. A bibliography is…

Intuition in mathematics is essential but it must be based on good knowledge of mathematics. An example related to velocity, time, and area is presented and discussed, with models, visual approaches, and geometric arguments noted. (Author/KM)

The author describes a series of current economic ideas and situations which can be used in the mathematics classroom to illustrate the use of signed numbers, the coordinate system, univariate and multivariate functions, linear programing, and variation. (SD)

The authors construct a form of cognitive algebra to determine judgement processes. In this study performance was found to equal motivation times ability. (DE)

By translating inequalities into equations (e.g., x greater than 0 can be written x- absolute value of x = 0) and forming equations for unions and intersections of solution sets, students can develop equations for polygons. The method can be generalized to yield equations in three dimensions. (SD)

We show a new approach, based on the utilization of Mathematica, to solve gas permeation problems using membranes. We start with the design of a membrane unit for the separation of a multicomponent mixture. The built-in Mathematica function, FindRoot, allows one to solve seven simultaneous equations instead of using the iterative approach of…

Experience in using a user-friendly software, Mathcad, in the undergraduate chemical reaction engineering course is discussed. Example problems considered for illustration deal with simultaneous solution of linear algebraic equations (kinetic parameter estimation), nonlinear algebraic equations (equilibrium calculations for multiple reactions and…

In two experiments, Ss judged a stimulus person on three dimensions: Generosity, Gift Size, and Income. Judgments on each dimension were based on information about the remaining two dimensions presented in a 4 x 4 design. (Editor)