Considered are the main elements of computational chemistry problems and how these elements can be used to formulate the problems mathematically. Techniques that are useful in devising an appropriate solution are also considered. (Author/TG)

This document is concerned with developing an understanding of problem solving by providing tasks to help students with their problem solving strategies. These tasks were used by Vermont teachers during the pilot years of the High School Mathematics Assessment and were selected by attendees of the June, 1995 Research Scoring meeting. Tasks are…

Given are instructions for teaching spreadsheet use for problem solving in mathematics. Examples of relevant problems from algebra through calculus are provided. The advantages of using computer spreadsheets in this application are stressed. (CW)

Calculus can be taught using meaningful problems and active participation, with provocative problem situations and large-scale projects. An Ithaca College (New York) introductory calculus course uses this problem-based learning approach to develop understanding of central concepts (differentiation, integration, approximation) with less of the…

A traveling salesman problem is used to illustrate the key idea in a general proof of a reduction technique. It is reduced to a problem in propositional calculus. (MNS)

The problem "Given three planar points, find a point such that the sum of the distances from that point to the three points is a minimum" is discussed from several points of view. A solution that uses only calculus and geometry is examined in detail. (MNS)

A method of using vector analysis is presented that is an application of calculus that helps to find the best angle for tacking a boat into the wind. While the discussion is theoretical, it is seen as a good illustration of mathematical investigation of a given situation. (MP)

Presents a mathematics problem involving speed of a walking student versus speed of light reflection in a high school hallway. (MKR)

To build understanding of, and the ability to use, first-year science and engineering calculus, students were introduced to differential equations and asked to carry out research on differential equation modeling projects. Describes a model for the research paper; appendices provide a copy of the student handout and five examples of student…

The article presents and discusses an optimization problem concerned with observing objects from a moving car. (MK)

This set of five papers, written in German with abstracts in English, was collected by the Institut fuer Didaktit der Mathematik (Institute for the Teaching of Mathematics) at the University of Bielefeld in West Germany. In the first paper, Bauersfeld considers domains of subjective experiences as the best issue for an interactive theory of…

A general method is given for determining an efficient problem-solving process for a given type problem. An application of the method is then described in an experiment involving teaching indefinite integration. (MP)

Genre analysis is a form of discourse analysis that can provide useful and sometimes surprising new perspectives on understanding teaching and learning. Uses two examples to illustrate the application of genre analysis in mathematics education. (Contains 23 references.) (ASK)

Techniques that can be used in solving various mathematical problems are illustrated by an optimization problem and the accompanying model and solution. (MP)

Timing stoplights and trying to determine the best way to allocate cycle time to the two directions is discussed. The simple case and improving the model are both considered. (MNS)