A question as to the number of stitches needed for a particular triangular crocheted scarf gives rise to the use of several methods of solution including arithmetic series. (MN)

Proposes a method for solving a diffusion equation by a random-walk approximation technique which utilizes the complex intergration method of steepest descent. (SL)

Derives the general Doppler formula in a nonstatic universe using assumptions of special relativity, homogeneity and isotropy of the universe. Examples of applications to physical cosmology are given. (SL)

Describes the activities and publications of the Mathematical Association of America that are of interest to physicists. (SL)

Formulas are developed which answer installment-buying questions without the use of amortization, sinking funds, or annuity tables. Applications for geometric progressions, proof by induction, solution of exponential equations, and the notion of recursive functions are displayed. (MN)

The author argues that mathematics instruction should start with real, complex, non-mathematical problems and describes a teacher education program which is consistent with this belief. (JLH)

Competence is defined as the knowledge of a mature speaker of a language, irrespective of questions about acquisition. It is questioned whether there can be a procedure for generating sentences as a model of this competence; it is concluded that there cannot be a precise, non-random model for competence. (CHK)

An introductory mathematics course for liberal arts students was based on mathematical models and applications. The course outline is provided, and evaluation of the course is discussed. (SD)

Presents and analyzes data on the arithmetic procedures people use when shopping for groceries in American supermarkets. Reports that the way shoppers solve problems is closely related to the way they formulate problems: supermarket arithmetic does not begin with a well-defined problem that calls for a specific numerical answer. (KH)

Computer graphics are used to display the sum of the first few terms of the series solution for the problem of the vibrating string frequently discussed in introductory courses on differential equations. (MNS)

Possible modes of food deterioration (such as microbial decay, nonenzymatic browning, senescence, lipid oxidation) are reviewed. A basic mathematical approach to the kinetics of food deterioration, kinetic approach to accelerating shelf-life deterioration, and shelf-life predictions are discussed. (JN)

Modular arithmetic is used in explaining why it is possible to read the Vernier caliper to the nearest tenth of a millimeter even though the caliper is marked only in millimeters. (DT)

A class project in economics which involved establishing a corporation and growing and selling plants is described. (DT)

Skills in sorting objects into sets, matching elements of one set with those of another, and forming subsets from larger collections are extended to show their application to everyday life.

An algebra problem is analyzed, and several variations are suggested for further student inquiry. Practical applications of the problem are discussed. (DT)