Data indicate that relatively advanced science-oriented college students can experience serious difficulties in symbolizing certain meaningful relationships with algebraic equations. Reversal errors in formulating equations were seen to stem from two main sources: (1) a syntactic word order matching process and (2) a semantic static comparison…

Materials designed to promote student investigation of factoring quadratic polynomials over the integers through using a physical model are presented. Pupils are expected to discover regularities that will permit them to factor such polynomials at the symbolic level. Worksheet masters designed for classroom use are provided. (MP)

The use of a computer to help honors second-year algebra students graph quadratic and higher-order polynomials is discussed. Sample computer programs are included. (MP)

The use of the computer as a computational tool in linear algebra is featured. The programs described evolved from an undergraduate course that ended with a unit on linear programing. (MP)

The following teaching ideas are presented: a game called 110 used to provide drill in remedial mathematics; an examination of a general formula for the lateral area of a nonright cylinder; nontraditional approaches to extraneous roots and quadratic equations; and an introduction to standard deviations. (MP)

The uses of random number generators are illustrated in three ways: (1) the solution of a probability problem using a coin; (2) the solution of a system of simultaneous linear equations using a die; and (3) the approximation of pi using darts. (MP)

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)