Describes a pilot project for MATLAB work in both information communication technology (ICT) and mathematics. The ICT work is on flowcharts and algorithms and discusses ways of communicating with computers. Mathematics lessons involve early algebraic ideas of variables representing numbers. Presents an activity involving number sequences. (KHR)

Introduces Hogben's adaptation of Zeno's paradox, "Achilles and the Tortoise", as a thinking and writing exercise. Emphasizes engaging students' imagination with creative, thought-provoking problems and involving students in evaluating their word problem-solving strategies. Describes the paradox, logical solutions, and students' mathematical…

Introduces an activity, Equation Telephone, designed to improve students' ability to interpret written information and recognize equivalent forms of an equation. Discusses the activity in detail and presents examples of student responses. (KHR)

This article develops an algorithm to find all solutions to the problem, making all sums of a hexagram's nine lines the same. It shows how to exploit the geometric structure of the hexagram and its group of automorphisms. (YP)

Investigated was the relation between student ability to translate sentences into equations, equations into sentences, and student performance in formal operational reasoning, proportional reasoning, and introductory-level chemistry. Results indicate that students who lack formal operational skills may experience problems in the translation of…

Presents a method for using matrix algebra and computers to encode and decode secret messages. Provides examples of coding procedures, a short review of matrix multiplication, and a BASIC program for use with secret messages containing up to 1000 numbers. (RT)

A police officer presented a question about a formula on speeding. This application was a good real-world example of radicals to present in an algebra class. How it was used is presented. (MNS)

Describes the use of step-functions in modelling instruction. Classifies modelling into three categories: direct, analogical, and creative application. Provides and discusses modelling postal rates and other problems as examples. (YP)

A structured system of visual features is seen to parallel the propositional hierarchy of operations usually associated with the parsing of algebraic expressions. Women more than men were found to depend on these visual cues. Possible causes and consequences are discussed. Subjects were secondary and college students. (Author/DC)

This article discusses the problem of the high percentage of low grades in first-year algebra. Suggestions for structured class periods, homework, after-school sessions, and testing are provided. (YP)

Briefly presented are suggestions on using exercises in number patterns in second-year algebra and factoring quadratics in a 10th-grade enrichment class. (MNS)

Relationships among the sides are developed for right triangles whose sides are in the ratios 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5. The golden ratio appears in the results which can be used in secondary mathematics. (DC)

Explains the significance of the mole as a unit of measure by showing the relationship between physical quantities and their mathematical representations. Offers a summary of the principles of metrology that make creation of physical quantities and units seem reasonable. A table of base physical quantities and units is included. (RT)

Difficulties experienced by algebra students are listed, with comments on what can be done and some implications for teaching. (MNS)

Observations focusing on classroom discourse, uses of graphing calculators, nature of instructional tasks, and instructor-questioning patterns in a high school algebra course found that the teacher modified his teaching strategies and curriculum to accommodate the teaching strategies and topics that arose from the use of the graphing calculator.…