Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) discovered a "curious" method for computing determinants. It is an iterative process that uses determinants of 2 x 2 submatrices of a matrix to obtain a smaller matrix. When the process ends, the result is the determinant of the original matrix. This article discusses both the algorithm and what may have led Dodgson…

The geometric problem of finding the number of normals to the parabola y = x[squared] through a given point is equivalent to the algebraic problem of finding the number of distinct real roots of a cubic equation. Apollonius solved the former problem, and Cardano gave a solution to the latter. The two problems are bridged by Neil's (semi-cubical)…

Michel Foucault (1926-84) is a primary thinker informing the construction of a critical theory of library and information science (LIS), or librarianship. He is widely cited and is adapted in various ways that focus on LIS forms of power, discourse, and so on. Others have addressed Foucault's topics, but he remains central. Librarianship has taken…

Reality--real life--is complex, more complex than can be imagined. The majority of our most pressing issues confronted in the management of organizations are overwhelmingly complex. I make the case for a systems design approach as a remedy. Examples introduced in this paper illuminate conceptual tools that advance how people transform their…

Gay and lesbian faculty members may no longer be desperate to hide their true identities in academe, but many are desperately seeking health insurance for their partners. With anti-gay discrimination fading, obtaining health and other benefits for partners is still a major concern for many gay and lesbian academics. A growing number of colleges…

In this article, the authors consider the exponential curves y = ba[superscript x] where a, b [is a member of] R, a [greater than] 0, a [not equal to] 1, and b [not equal to] 1. The authors show that by fixing one of a or b the points (x[subscript 0],y[subscript 0) of tangency of y = ba[superscript x] and the line passing through the origin lie on…

In this article, the author presents a six by six array in which individuals can obtain 182 in total even if they use a different set of numbers. The author then explain why this is possible. The author uses the k-translation of a sequence for this equation. (Contains 8 figures, 2 tables and 6 footnotes.)

Fostering pupils' competencies in inventive thinking and problem-solving has remained a rather unresolved issue in traditional schooling, mainly because many people regard creative thinking as a God-given ability, something an individual either possesses or does not possess, but can only be slightly learned or improved. The current study is aimed…

The equilibrium of a flexible inextensible string, or chain, in the centrifugal force field of a rotating reference frame is investigated. It is assumed that the end points are fixed on the rotation axis. The shape of the curve, the skipping rope curve or "troposkien", is given by the Jacobi elliptic function sn. (Contains 3 figures.)

The aim of this article is to investigate possibilities for conceptions of critical thinking beyond the established educational framework that emphasizes skills. Distancing ourselves from the older rationalist framework, we explain that what we think wrong with the skills perspective is, amongst other things, its absolutization of performativity…

In this article, we show how "Laplace Transform" may be used to evaluate variety of nontrivial improper integrals, including "Probability" and "Fresnel" integrals. The algorithm we have developed here to evaluate "Probability, Fresnel" and other similar integrals seems to be new. This method transforms the evaluation of certain improper integrals…

In this article, the author relates how he found "MT202" full of interest and how he was fascinated by the number of threads he found running through it. He then describes how he weaved together these threads. (Contains 1 table.)

The Childcare Act 2006 provides the underpinning legislation for a single quality framework for supporting children's learning development and care from birth to five. This is encompassed in the early years foundation stage (EYFS). EYFS has been designed to deliver improved outcomes for all children, by providing a flexible, play-based framework,…

Problems with parents take many shapes: disorganized parents who lose papers, hovering moms and angry dads, and of course absentee parents who never show up for anything. Private schools take even more heat, with high academic goals and expectations. Richard Arends, in "Learning to Teach," cites two studies indicating that teachers want…

Two problems in projectiles are discussed which generate interesting loci.