Data were collected in the problem representations and solution strategies of 30 first graders who were given a series of simple addition and subtraction word problems. The children were interviewed three times during the school year. The influence of problem structure on children's solution strategies appears more extensive and decisive than that…

Numerous research studies over the past five years indicate that a high percentage of college students have severe deficiencies in their ability to use mathematics as a language for representing simple quantitative relationships. In the United States these problems are nearly as common among students with strong computational skills in algebra and…

In most mathematics problem solving work, students' motivation comes from trying to please their teachers or to earn a good grade. The questions students must tackle are almost never generated by their own interest. Seven open-ended college algebra-level problems are presented in which the solution of one question suggests other related questions.…

This paper analyzes the quantitative and situational structure of algebra story problems, uses these materials to propose an interpretive framework for written problem soving protocols, and then presents an exploratory study of the episodic structure of algebra story problem solving in a sizable group of mathematically competent subjects. Analyses…

Thinking Approach to Problem Solving (TAPS) is a decision-making model that will assist students, kindergarten through grade eight, to decide on the choice of operation in routine mathematical word problems. The TAPS algorithm, or plan, suggests that students read a word problem, determine the question to be answered in the problem, use concrete…

This report attempts to discover how students think about and use mathematics in open-ended questions. Part I, "Open-ended Questions in Mathematics," describes the rationale for adding open-ended questions to the grade 12 mathematics test of the California Assessment Program (CAP). Part II describes the findings from students' responses…

This publication is a compilation of abstracts and critical comments for 12 published investigations in mathematics education. Information for each study includes: purpose; rationale; research design and procedures; findings; and interpretations. For each study abstractor's comments also provide a brief critique. Topics include: planning problem…

Presents mathematical games that involve a problem-solving matrix, multicolored cubes, and three-dimensional dominoes. The work of Alexander MacMahon is highlighted. (MA)

Activities are presented that focus on the topic of problem solving using the strategies of: (1) patterning; (2) working backwards; (3) making a chart, table, or graph; and (4) diagraming and elimination. (RH)

The vast majority of people are most familiar with arithmetic in base ten. This article presents a follow-up on a problem with several divisibility tests valid in base ten which are related to Freitag's general test and which follow directly from it. Base 13 is also explored. (Author/MA)

The author arranges 26 current states of mathematical knowledge (in relation to solving a problem) in an informal taxonomy and comments on them. (MNS)

Methods for solving logic puzzles which focus on thought-free procedures that facilitate solution are discussed. Two of the procedures noted pertain to the interior of any submatrix, whereas others span several submatrices. A puzzle is presented at the conclusion as an exercise for practicing the methods promoted. (MP)

Presents activities designed to provide students with an informal introduction to deductive logic through the use of the problem-solving skill of "eliminate possibilities." Includes rationale for the activities, background information, list of materials needed, objectives, four ready-to-copy student worksheets, and instructional…

The relationship between logic and mathematics is examined. Four basic concepts inherent in symbolic logic that are typically included in ninth- and tenth-grade mathematics programs are reviewed. Symbolic logic is advocated for all students who will study algebra and/or geometry. (MP)

Lessons given to a group of mathematically talented eleventh and twelfth graders enrolled in a problem-solving course that provided practice in applying the heuristic strategy of working backward are detailed. Special attention was given to the process of formulating generalizations that represent large problem classes. (MP)