Included in this section are brief articles on an algebraic puzzler, periodic decimal fractions with computers, and the arrow method of teaching logarithms. (MNS)

This study compared the validity of chronological age, a standardized algebra prognosis test, standardized verbal and quantitative scales derived from an achievement test battery, and an objective measure of formal or concrete stages of Piagetian cognitive development for predicting final examination scores and course grades in high school…

Describes a system of computer assisted instruction geared primarily toward high school and university students involved in numerical analysis and optimization. Also describes (in detail) one of its modules to illustrate the general philosophy of the system. This module focuses on the simplex method. (JN)

A first computer lesson in algebra is described, with illustrations of programing by students. Standard algebraic notation with BASIC are discussed, and further activities described. The purpose is to use the computer so that it develops a rational understanding of the mathematical concepts involved. (MNS)

Reviews four commercially produced software packages for high school mathematics. Topic areas include: equations (tutorial); algebra (tutorial, drill and practice); general mathematics (tutorial, drill and practice); and graphing of algebraic equations (arcade games). Program name, hardware needed, format, current price, and source are provided.…

The proof of a number trick is given. (DT)

This paper compares the way lessons on systems of linear equations unfold in a classroom in the Negev region of Israel with the way they unfold in a Shanghai and Hong Kong classroom. Lessons are viewed as temporal entities describable not only by the nexus of topics they contain but also by how they flow in time. In this light, the lessons in the…

The purpose of this paper is to offer a framework for categorizing and describing the different types of processes that undergraduates use to construct proofs. Based on 176 observations of undergraduates constructing proofs collected over several studies, I describe three qualitatively different ways that undergraduates use to construct proofs. In…

This paper compares a number of different Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) in their solution of one-step and multi-step problems. The CAS programs considered include DERIVE, Maple, Mathematica, and MuPAD while the problems are taken from the final examinations of grades 9 and 12 in Estonian schools. The different outputs to one-step problems with…

The choice of teaching an effective method--one that most students can master--or an efficient method--one that takes the fewest steps--occurs daily in Algebra I classrooms. This decision may not be made in the abstract, however, but rather in a ready-to-hand mode. This study examines how teachers solve linear equations when the purpose is…

The percentage of high school students passing the first semester Algebra 1A final exam in January 2000 dropped precipitously from the passing rate one year earlier. That decline in final exam passing rates was due largely to the adoption among all schools of a uniform algebra exam combined with a system-wide uniform grading scale. High school…

This book contains volume 1 of the proceedings of the 23rd annual meeting of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME) held October, 2001 in Snowbird, Utah. Papers include: (1) "Opening the Dimensions of Mathematical Capability: The Development of Knowledge, Practice and Identity in Mathematics Classrooms"…

This two volume collection of proceedings contains working group reports, research reports, oral reports, poster session reports and discussion group reports presented at PME-NA 21. Only the plenary and research reports are full reports; the others are brief abstracts. Full reports include: (1) "Representation, Vision and Visualization:…

The effect of calculator type on student performance on a mathematics examination was studied. Differential item functioning (DIF) methodology was applied to examine group differences (calculator use) on item performance while conditioning on the relevant ability. Other survey questions were developed to ask students the extent to which they used…

By measuring the performance of 62 students enrolled in a community college introductory algebra course, this study challenges the generally accepted assumption among mathematics instructors that mastery of arithmetic is necessary for the learning of algebra. Study subjects were 35% male, 74% Hispanic, 16% Black, 8% white, and 2% other. A pretest,…