An approach to using the method of least squares, a scheme for computing the best-fitting line directly from a set of points, is detailed. The material first looks at fitting a numerical value to a set of numbers. This provides tools for solving the line-fitting problem. (MP)

Results of this study indicated calculator algorithms can serve as an effective alternative instructional strategy where computational skill is an instructional goal. (MP)

Describes the beginning of a study of the cognitive processes required for applying financial accounting knowledge to specific problem solving situations. Task analysis is used to describe the cognitive components of accounting, and algorithms for the tasks are appended. Eighteen references are listed. (Author/CHC)

An individual differences additive model is discussed which represents individual differences in additivity by differential weighting or additive factors. A procedure for estimating model parameters for various data measurement characteristics is developed. The method is found to be very useful in describing certain types of developmental change…

By algebraically defining a school finance structure as a total budget system, partial derivatives can be used to find the kinds of rewards, incentives, and distributions the structure defines for individual districts and among districts. Equity concerns can also be answered. (Author/IRT)

The author feels teaching division of fractions is worthwhile because it will help students understand other algorithms. (MK)

The multiplication and division algorithms that are taught in German schools are presented. It is suggested that these algorithms may be better than standard algorithms in terms of development of useful concepts and processes. (MK)

Three short essays provide teaching suggestions for lessons on base two, order of operations, and ratios used to motivate a number of mathematical ideas. (MK)

A computer program in BASIC is presented, with the underlying algorithm explained, for multiplying any two multi-digit numbers and obtaining an exact answer. (MP)

Demonstrates that an elementary understanding of computer programing and the development and illustration of the structure of computer program analysis will be valuable assets in the understanding and teaching of mathematics and may be used as modeling devices to simulate the stages of learning. (Author)

A class's struggle with the computer solution of a nontrivial problem is related. The use of algorithms allowed a trial-and-error approach.

Discussion of ranking systems used in various settings, including college football and academic admissions, focuses on the Google search engine. Explains the PageRank mathematical formula that scores Web pages by connecting the number of links; limitations, including authenticity and accuracy of ranked Web pages; relevancy; adjusting algorithms;…

Encourages teachers to allow opportunities for students to present alternative algorithms, whether the students invent them or learn them, then lead a discussion about the meaning of the operations with the goal of students understanding why the algorithm works. Teachers with students of similar racial and ethnic backgrounds should encourage the…

Provides an applications-oriented view of algorithmic historiography and how it relates to understanding scientific paradigms. Discusses HistCite[TM], a program that allows scholars to identify significant works on a given topic; paradigm shifts; a genealogic approach; citation analyses; correcting variations in citations; and bibliographic…

Discussion of the information needs of medical professionals and researchers focuses on the architecture of a Web portal designed to integrate advanced searching and indexing algorithms, an automatic thesaurus, and self-organizing map technologies to provide searchers with fine-grained results. Reports results of evaluation of spider algorithms…