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)

Drawing on management theory, this article explores the costs, benefits, and sources of organizational conflict in the academic library context. Five responses to conflict (using power, avoiding, accommodating, compromising, and problem solving) are described, and guidelines for using problem solving to manage conflict effectively are offered. (14…

A diagrammatic approach to invariants of knots is the focus. Connections with graph theory, physics, and other topics are included, along with an explanation of how proofs of some old conjectures about alternating knots emerge from this work. (MNS)

Knot theory has been inspirational to algebraic and geometric topology. The principal problem has been to ascertain whether two links are equivalent. New methods have been discovered which are effective and simple. Considered are background information; the oriented polynomial; the Jones polynomial; the semioriented polynomial; and calculations,…

Examines the problem resolution phase of a retrospective conversion project of monographic records at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass). The kinds of problems encountered are categorized and discussed. Suggestions for developing editing guidelines are offered, and the guidelines developed for standardization of problem resolution at…

This guide is an attempt to provide a workable methodology for helping college students and citizen groups to identify the most pressing environmental problems in their communities and to find solutions to them. With some modification, it can also be used by high school students who are interested in independent or team studies. The monograph…

The focus is on how line graphs can be used to approximate solutions to rate problems and to suggest equations that offer exact algebraic solutions to the problem. Four problems requiring progressively greater graphing sophistication are presented plus four exercises. (MNS)

How min-max problems can be solved with trigonometry and without calculus is described. (MNS)

A question posed by Euler is considered: How can polyhedra be classified so that the results is in some way analogous to the simple classification of polygons according to the number of their sides? (MK)

Archimedes' shoemaker's knife problem is interesting in its own right and also allows the demonstration of heuristic teaching ideas and a different method of doing a routine construction. The focus in the article is on the thought processes involved and questions asked when attempting proofs with the problem. (MNS)

The decision support system (DSS) environment, the functional requirements of a DSS, and the architectural requirements of the computer systems and communications network necessary to support a DSS are discussed. Changes in the computing environment that are necessary to implement decision support systems are suggested. (Author/MLW)

How writing skills are used in remedial mathematics classes to help college students attain better problem-solving achievement is described. Data affirm the value of the approach. (MNS)

The use of mathematical modelling as a systematic framework for solving word problems is presented. Applications for typical elementary algebra and calculus problems are featured. (MP)

This document provides a computer program which produces a graphical determination of admissible solutions for engineering problems relating to the design of prestressed concrete beams. Included is a generalized section for describing beam sections. (Author/SL)

Factorials are discussed, with note of the enormous size on n! even for modest values of n. A recreational problem to determine the number of zeros at the end of numbers such as 10,000! is given, with a computer program. (MNS)