In posttest results, 76 prealgebra students who learned about functions in a unit emphasizing multiple formats, anchoring learning in a thematic context, and problem solving in cooperative groups were more successful at problem solving and problem representation than were 56 comparison students conventionally taught. Similar results were found for…

Suggests that, for some classes of functions, an algebraic method is available that provides a nonstandard application of the discriminant conditions as well as an exact method of optimization for precalculus students. Examples are given, and students should compare these methods with others regarding generality, ease, and efficiency. (AIM)

Discusses imprecision in multimedia data on the Web and proposes a formal framework in which to formulate powerful queries and presentations of the answers. Introduces a fuzzy-based algebra which allows user preferences, in the form of weights, to alter query expression, and presents algorithms for the evaluation of similarity-based queries.…

Presents a series of questions designed to help convince students that mathematics is useful, current, and newsworthy through solving systems of linear equations in real world contexts. (KHR)

Presents students' various solutions to a word problem. (KHR)

Presents responses to a problem that appeared in the May 2000 issue. The problem was to determine different ways to divide 8 cookies between 3 people. Includes student work from grades 1, 3, and 5. (KHR)

Invites students to try magic-number tricks and discover how and why they work. (Author)

Presents an overview of the 6-8 Standards and their rationale. Demonstrates the need for a cohesive mathematics curriculum. (YDS)

Reflects on one teacher's strategies for facilitating discourse in his classroom--creating an environment in which student ideas are the basis of discussion yet ensuring productive mathematics. (YDS)

Describes different solution strategies used by students for a problem on the cost of talking on the phone. (YDS)

Describes student solutions to a "Food for Thought" problem using different strategies. (YDS)

Explores the influence of student teachers' subject matter knowledge on the process of pedagogical reasoning and the influence of images of mathematics, teaching, and learning on student teachers' organization of subject matter. Four student teachers differed in subject-matter knowledge both in aspects of concepts they emphasized and in the use of…

Presents a lesson to teach matrices that emphasizes conceptual understanding and allows students to extend their investigations into important and relevant situations by using graphing calculators after important conceptual understanding has been developed. (KHR)

Analyzes students' calculations of appliance efficiency using basic arithmetic and provides examples of energy guide labels that illustrate applications of algebra and statistical concepts. (KHR)

This paper presents a sequence of computer-based activities aimed at achieving an intuitive understanding of the ideas and concepts underlying the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. Deductive proofs to support students' empirical investigations are also discussed. (LZ)