Literacy, specifically reading mathematical text, is an essential component of developing deep mathematical understanding. Given the role that textbooks play in classroom instruction around the globe, it is useful to consider how features of curriculum design might influence classroom practice related to reading. Results from studies of a…

We explore the various Mathematica functions for performing Gaussian elimination, specifically when the linear system contains input parameters. On the one hand, we want the solution, perhaps heuristically found, to be in terms of the input parameters, and as general as possible. On the other hand, we must adhere to all necessary conditions and…

Earlier approaches to sense-making in mathematics have looked at the ways students comprehend a mathematical concept. Recent research suggests that some students make sense not only of mathematical objects that have a being, but also of objects that have yet to become. In such cases, learning mathematics is not just an act of comprehending a given…

Algebraic identities, which are considered as one of the important subjects of mathematics and mathematics education, have important areas of use such as physics, chemistry, many branches of engineering, as well as calculating the distances among the earth, sun and stars and planning space travels. Algebraic identities play an important role in…

This is the third article in the "On the Shoulders of Giants" series that takes an outstanding mathematician, tells something of their life and work, and provides an item or two based on their achievements that can be used in a primary class. This article focuses on the work of Cheryl Praeger, with an activity based upon her work with…

All differential equations students have encountered eigenvectors and eigenvalues in their study of systems of linear differential equations. The eigenvectors and phase plane solutions are displayed in a Cartesian plane, yet a geometric understanding can be enhanced, and is arguably better, if the system is represented in polar coordinates. A…

The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate learning trajectories (LTs) and introduce a new, comprehensive set of resources that support teaching meaningfully and joyfully. An LT for a topic has three parts: (1) a mathematical goal; (2) a developmental progression of levels of thinking; and (3) teaching practices (environments,…

The aim of the study is to conduct a bibliometrical analysis on the published articles related to RME. Accordingly, Scopus database was scanned using the keywords "realistic mathematics education" or "realistic mathematic education" or "realistic maths" or "realistic mathematical education" and a total…

In this paper, drawing on the philosophy of dialectical materialism, we present an elaboration of two concepts that tend to remain backstage in debates in the field of history in mathematics education, namely, the concept of "mathematics learning" and the concept of classroom "mathematics knowledge." The elaboration of these…

This manuscript contributes to research on how algebraic thinking about operations and properties can develop, and relevant forms of curricular activity. The key question asked is: how can students' early algebraic activity be fostered through focusing on relations involving operations and properties? We adopt Radford's three aspects of algebraic…

The author, Sirin Budak, discusses how to model the problem of a frog climbing out of a well using piecewise functions and GeoGebra.

Counting is an intellectual activity that is usually identified with the assignment of positive whole numbers ("1, 2, 3, 4, ...") in one-to-one correspondence with a collection of items in one's attentional field. Taking into account a broader, "combinatorial" meaning of the term, counting extends far beyond this description.…

We propose an alternative formula for solving the biquadratic equation x[superscript 4] + bx[superscript 2] + c = 0, which is more convenient than the classical one whenever c is a perfect square. The method is suitable to be introduced to high school students together with the standard approach of the substitution y = x[superscript 2]. A…

It is well known that there is a unique circle passing through three specified points if and only if they are non-collinear. We show that there is also a unique circle passing through the endpoints of diameters of three specified circles if and only if they have non-collinear centres.

We propose an algorithm that allows calculating the remainder and the quotient of division between polynomials over commutative coefficient rings, without polynomial long division. We use the previous results to determine the quadratic factors of polynomials over commutative coefficient rings and, in particular, to completely factorize in Z[x] any…