Explores the use of computers for teaching mathematical models of transposition ciphers. Illustrates the ideas, includes activities and extensions, provides a mathematical model and includes computer programs to implement these topics. (MVL)

Discusses a calculation method to approximate pi. Describes how to get an approximation to the circumscribed and inscribed perimeters of regular polygons of n sides. Presents the computer program and result of the approximation. (YP)

Discusses ways to simulate a probability problem of interest to middle school students in which students calculate the average number of packets of trading cards purchased to obtain a complete set of cards. Simulations utilize a spinner, a table of random numbers, and a computer. Includes the BASIC program utilized in the simulation. (MDH)

Over the past 10 years, national conferences and committees investigating the state of American mathematics education have advocated an increased emphasis on problem solving and mathematical modeling situations in the secondary school curriculum. However, little effort has been made to prepare secondary school teachers to use mathematical modeling…

Presents two mathematical methods for fitting the logistic curve to population data supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau utilizing computer algebra software to carry out the computations and plot graphs. (JKK)

Presents an example of a proof to the mathematical problem of the sum of the cubes of the digits. Provides a Pascal program to search for these results. (MVL)

Discusses the use of technology in solving compound interest-rate problems that can be modeled by linear relationships. Uses a graphing calculator to solve the specific problem of determining the amount of money that can be borrowed to buy a car for a given monthly payment and interest rate. (MDH)