Discusses common error-detecting identification codes using linear algebra terminology to provide an interesting application of algebra. Presents examples from the International Standard Book Number, the Universal Product Code, bank identification numbers, and the ZIP code bar code. (YP)

Incorporates the combined effects of ionic strength and ion association to show how calculations involving ionic equilibria are carried out. Examines the variability of reduction potential data for two aqueous redox systems. Provides several examples. (MVL)

Describes ways to make magic squares of 4 by 4 matrices. Presents two handouts: (1) Sets of 4 Numbers from 1 to 16 Whose Sum is 34; and (2) The Durer Square. Shows patterns which appeared in the magic squares, such as squares, chevrons, rhomboids, and trapezoids. (YP)

Examples used to illustrate Simpson's paradox for secondary students include probabilities, university admissions, batting averages, student-faculty ratios, and average and expected class sizes. Each result is explained. (DC)

This paper is devoted to the relationship between mathematics and the social use of mathematics. Discussion includes definition of technology, examples of technology, technology in school mathematics and mathematics of social practice. (DC)

Four experiments investigated under which conditions and at which age level children in grades four through six would become aware of the conflict between practical and theoretical considerations in mathematics. Students in grades four and five did not indicate an awareness of this conflict, while about half the sixth graders did, indicating a…

In cases of trauma, medical indexes are used by paramedics to report the condition of the patient to the hospital. Presents a scenario in which students act as paramedics at the scene of an earthquake and use the index called capillary refill to report the severity of the trauma and predict probable survival. (MDH)

Discusses the probability of seeing a tire explode or disintegrate while traveling down the highway. Suggests that a person observing 10 hours a day would see a failure on the average of once every 300 years. (MVL)

Describes some mathematical investigations of the necktie which includes applications of geometry, statistics, data analysis, sampling, probability, symmetry, proportion, problem solving, and business. (MKR)

Explores the effects of the square-cube law that predicts the physical consequences of increasing or decreasing an object's size. Uses examples to discuss the economy of scales, common misconceptions, and applications of scaling laws. (JRH)

A theoretical calculation of the period of oscillation of a physical pendulum in the shape of a thin, partial ring is presented at three significantly different levels of mathematical sophistication to demonstrate the application of symmetry properties. (ZWH)

Presents an experiment to demonstrate the diurnal and seasonal motions of the sun, which can be used in different grade levels, depending on the degree of difficulty required for the analysis, as an effort to generate student interest in the scientific method. Includes an activity to teach students elementary concepts of the sun's apparent motion…

Discusses the QUASAR Project, which has worked with middle school teachers in disadvantaged communities in order to help increase the relevance of mathematics by making connections between the mathematics taught in school and the lives of students. (16 references) (MKR)

Two scheduling problems, one involving setting up an examination schedule and the other describing traffic light problems, are modeled as colorings of graphs consisting of a set of vertices and edges. The chromatic number, the least number of colors necessary for coloring a graph, is employed in the solutions. (MDH)

Discusses the meaning of mathematics by looking at its uses in the real world. Offers mathematical modeling as a way to represent mathematical applications in real or potential situations. Presents levels of applicability, modus operandi, relationship to "pure mathematics," and consequences for education for mathematical modeling. (MDH)