Examines the history of the mathematics placement testing program used at the University of Houston Downtown Campus to screen entering students at registration. Discusses the remedial algebra courses required of students who do not pass the exam and analyzes the effectiveness of the program in reducing failure and attrition rates. (JP)

This report discusses students' understanding of the algebraic concepts of gradient and intercept with respect to simple graphs. A pilot study is described which attempts to identify the difficulties students encounter and determine the number of students who have these difficulties. (MK)

The purpose of this article is to stimulate a discussion about the teaching of algebra. It seeks to raise questions which are more fundamental than those so far generated by the manipulative skills debate. (Author/MK)

The use of computer-enhanced resources throughout a second-year algebra course had no significant effect on algebra achievement or attitudes, but some ability differences were noted. (MP)

Three teaching ideas are presented: how to present changes between scientific notation and decimal form that eliminate some student confusion; an analysis of an incorrect algebra equation that produced a correct answer; and aspects of a standard calculus problem dealing with minimum and maximum values. (MP)

A college-level intermediate algebra course with an applications theme is described. (MK)

This essay concentrates on those aspects of music that can be classified as purely mathematical or musical form, and is restricted to secondary-level concepts. (MP)

An investigation using the Pythagorean theorem, the area of a triangle, and some first-year algebra yields a relationship between the radii of inscribed and escribed circles. (MP)

An investigation of student difficulties in elementary algebra is outlined. Also described are four materials, produced by the author, to be used by algebra students. (MK)

The determination of an equation for predicting grade point averages of college freshmen is given as an application of solving simultaneous equations. (MP)

Determining which whole numbers can be expressed as the difference of two squares and which as the sum of two squares forms the basis of two discovery exercises. (DT)

Commonly used words in algebra are hidden in a grid. (DT)

No meaningful correlations were found when "teacher effect" scores (based on student achievement) for 28 Algebra I teachers were correlated with teachers' knowledge of the real number system and other related algebraic structures, length of service, college mathematics grade point average, and number of postcalculus course taken. (DT)

Presents an activity that connects area with cutting brownies which are in different shapes for different numbers, uses algebraic equations, and fixes the exact dimensions of brownies. Concludes with four different solutions from six people for the class of 16 and a trapezoidal brownie. (ASK)

Discusses a cooperative learning group in an algebra class, Homework Partners, in order to promote active student learning. Presents difficulties and benefits of this system. Concludes that the Homework Partners concept can be beneficial for other mathematics courses. (ASK)