The activities presented here focus on symmetry. The materials aim to provide experience in: (1) observing grid-drawn pictures and coloring in appropriate squares; (2) making symmetric designs about two lines of symmetry; (3) using a ruler and protractor; and (4) using a ruler, protractor, and compass. Worksheet masters are provided. (MP)

Presented is a computer program written in BASIC that covers round-robin schedules for team matches in competitions. The program was originally created to help teams in a tennis league play one match against every other team. Part of the creation of the program involved use of modulo arithmetic. (MP)

The material examines aspects of Fibonacci and Lucas sequences, the generation of the Divine Ratio, and the nature of this ratio in golden rectangles, triangles, and figures made up of golden triangles. It is noted Lucas sequence is formed like Fibonacci but has one and three as the first elements. (Author/MP)

The lesson described first involved tossing a pair of dice and recording on a graph the sum produced on each roll. Pupils examined questions such as which sum occurred most often. The second part involved a graph that indicated which types of sums were most likely to occur. (Author/MP)

Work with recurring decimals provides pupils with an opportunity for exploration and examination of a wide variety of mathematical ideas and strategies. Examples of work done by one group of pupils who were presented with an opportunity to explore such decimals is featured. (MP)

The game of Yahtzee is analyzed to some extent through methods of elementary probability. Several different problems are posed, and these serve to illustrate both mathematical concerns and game play strategy. Solutions are provided to all questions at the conclusion and suggestions for further questions are presented. (MP)

The first idea discusses the use of Pascal's triangle to discover the total number of gifts presented during the 12 days of Christmas. The second idea looks at an approach to viewing L'Hospital's rule that is geared toward helping beginning calculus students develop a feeling as to why it works. (MP)

This discussion deals with the question, are there integral rectangles such that a box of maximum volume is obtained by removing an integral-sided square from each corner? An equation to solve the problem is generated and a table of values presented. The material appears suitable for beginning calculus students. (MP)

The use of basis matrix methods to rotate axes is detailed. It is felt that persons who have need to rotate axes often will find that the matrix method saves considerable work. One drawback is that most students first learning to rotate axes will not yet have studied linear algebra. (MP)

Results are presented of an impromptu exploration of polar formulas for volumes of revolution for certain plane regions. The material is thought to be unique, and to offer room for student exploration. It is felt pupil investigation can lead to increased pupil interest in both polar coordinates and calculus. (MP)

A brief introduction to the broad field of curve-fitting is provided to help explain the reasoning behind least-squares data fitting, and also to provide useful equations for two functional forms of interest in chemistry. Appendices give program examples written in Fortran and detail the method of Guggenheim. (MP)

Several methods of numerical mappings other than the usual cartesian coordinate system are considered. Some examples using parallel axes representation, which are seen to lead to aesthetically pleasing or interesting configurations, are presented. Exercises with alternative representations can stimulate pupil imagination and exploration in…

A problem-posing approach is used to change a door problem that involves a linear hallway into one in which doors are in a circle. The new problem is noted to relate mathematically to concepts behind the spirograph. It is hoped the material will encourage teachers to use problem-posing. (MP)

The question is asked, "How many gifts in total were given in 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' song," and is shown to relate to several other problems. Most of the number patterns and partitions dealt with are viewed to be usable with students in junior and senior high school. (MP)

A set of activity sheets designed to provide experience for pupils in estimating products, quotients, and powers is provided. The material is designed for calculator use, and problem-solving abilities of students are developed as individuals focus on finding game-winning strategies. (MP)