Discusses the creed in symmetry and the omnipresence of symmetrical relationships in mathematics and nature, discusses mathematicians' attraction toward looking for symmetrical relationships as an unstated problem-solving heuristic, and shows how symmetry can be used as a didactical tool. (Author/MKR)

Presents an investigation of a third-degree polynomial using a TI-82 graphing calculator. Also includes an algebraic solution. (MKR)

Ninety-six eighth and ninth grade algebra students were asked to judge the equivalence of pairs of equations and to justify their responses on the basis of transformations or calculations. Students who gave justifications based upon transformation schemes had a significantly higher rate of correct responses than students who calculated solutions.…

A simple liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) system involving a constant partition coefficient based on solute ratios is used to develop an algebraic understanding of multistage contacting in a first-year separation processes course. This algebraic approach to the LLE system is shown to be operable for the introduction of graphical techniques…

Presents activities designed to help students bridge the gap between the graphical representation of a function and a verbal description. Includes a number of nonstandard graphs and reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

A variety of examples are given from different areas of biology to illustrate the general applicability of matrix algebra to discrete models. These models of biological systems are concerned with relations between processes occurring in discrete time intervals. Diffusion, ecosystems, and different types of cells are modeled. (KR/Author)

Presents activities that introduce mathematics to primary and intermediate level elementary students. At the primary level, students read a story about fresh cookies that must be divided and shared. At the intermediate level, instructions are provided for a game that introduces elementary algebra. (SM)

Presented are several geometrical and graphical methods of solving quadratic equations. Discussed are Greek origins, Carlyle's method, von Staudt's method, fixed graph methods and imaginary solutions. (CW)

Explores many forms of a circle using variations of the distance formula. Metric space is defined and examples of metrics are given, including a "circle" that is a square. Also shown are variations which are not metrics. (MKR)

Proposes sports statistics as a source of interesting and motivating problems for algebra students. Examines the possible solutions to a problem involving winning percentages in baseball. (MDH)

Discusses reasons for using spreadsheets in mathematics education. Presents mathematics activities for beginning algebra classes using spreadsheets. (ASK)

Presents the Newton-Raphson algorithm, which is an iterative way of finding the root of an equation f(x)=0. (ASK)

Provides a set of classroom activities or steps that can be used to determine the area of a triangle on a sphere. (ASK)

Describes the implementation of graphing calculators as teaching and learning aids in an intermediate linear algebra unit at the undergraduate level. Outlines the approach taken and discusses the problems that arose in relation to calculator use. (ASK)

Describes an interdisciplinary quantitative reasoning course that uses algebra to answer questions from science. Describes the development, philosophy, and structure of the course and demonstrates two of the projects developed for this course. Presents student reactions and attitudes towards the course. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/ASK)