Illustrates how Lagrange's approach applies to the differential calculus of polynomial functions when approximations are obtained. Discusses how to obtain polynomial approximations in other cases. (YP)

Presents some examples from geometry: area of a circle; centroid of a sector; Buffon's needle problem; and expression for pi. Describes several roles of the trigonometric function in mathematics and applications, including Fourier analysis, spectral theory, approximation theory, and numerical analysis. (YP)

Considers the reflections of the graphs of a function through an arbitrary line. Determines whether the result is a function and which functions are reflected on to themselves through a given line. (YP)

Describes the development of the concept of function including changes of mental images, from the geometric conception versus the algebraic conception and the logical conception versus the algebraic conception. Lists 27 references. (YP)

Discusses when to use the computer, paper-and-pencil, or mental-computation procedures. Provides examples of solving problems dealing with roots of polynomial using computer graphing and other strategies. Suggests implications for curricular planning. (YP)

Describes a variety of activities to develop ideas of pattern, mapping, and graphing for high-level high school mathematics classes. Provides problems and their answers with screen displays for the Casio graphic calculators. (YP)

Describes the use of step-functions in modelling instruction. Classifies modelling into three categories: direct, analogical, and creative application. Provides and discusses modelling postal rates and other problems as examples. (YP)

Describes Newton's method to locate roots of an equation using the Newton-Raphson iteration formula. Develops an adaptive method overcoming limitations of the iteration method. Provides the algorithm and computer program of the adaptive Newton-Raphson method. (YP)

Discusses a student project visualizing the surface of a function using computer graphics. Describes topics to complete the project, function and its domain, scaling, coordinate axes, projection of the surface, sketching the graph, plotting, changing the viewpoint, and rotating the axes. Provides a BASIC program using the rotation of the axes and…

Describes animation algorithms for creating smooth functions of time- and space-varying phenomenon. The incidence of the disease mumps from 1968-88 in the United States is used to demonstrate the algorithms. Figures that illustrate the findings are included. (14 references) (KRN)

Suggests that in the mathematics classroom the federal income tax may serve as a familiar example to illustrate several aspects of the mathematical concept of function. (PK)

Describes a function graphing program's 15 Logo procedures and how they are used in the classroom to study the properties of functions and to develop visual imagery of function behavior. Presents several Logo programs. (Author/YP)

Discusses the application of probabilistic ideas, especially Monte Carlo simulation, to calculus. Describes some applications using the Monte Carlo method: Riemann sums; maximizing and minimizing a function; mean value theorems; and testing conjectures. (YP)

The advent of calculators for graphing and function plotters is changing the way college algebra and calculus are taught. This paper illustrates how the machines are used for teaching the following: (1) domain and range; (2) product and quotient inequalities; and (3) the solving of equations. Instructional hints are provided for each topic with…

The concept of variable is central to mathematics teaching and learning in junior and senior high schools. Described is a structured reflexive exercise designed to reexamine the notion of variable and to rediscover its richness and multiplicity of meaning. (PK)