When the new programming language Pascal was developed in the 1970's, Walter Gander did not like it because because many features which he appreciated in prior programming languages were missing in Pascal. For example the block structure was gone, there were no dynamical arrays, no functions or procedures were allowed as parameters of a procedure,…

In this study, we used multivariate decoding methods to study processing differences between canonical (montring and count) and noncanonical finger numeral configurations (FNCs). While previous research investigated these processing differences using behavioral and event-related potentials (ERP) methods, conventional univariate ERP analyses focus…

In our investigation of university students' knowledge about real numbers in relation to computer algebra systems (CAS) and how it could be developed in view of their future activity as teachers, we used a computer algorithm as a case to explore the relationship between CAS and the knowledge of real numbers as decimal representations. Our work was…

Five reports from a 2-year study are presented. Frequencies and descriptions of systematic errors in the four algorithms in arithmetic were studied in upper-middle income, regular, and special education classrooms involving 744 children. Children were screened for adequate knowledge of basic facts and for receiving prior instruction on the…

This document is intended as a resource for persons using, designing, or evaluating instructional materials in whole number subtraction. Its purpose is to provide conceptual machinery: (1) for describing/specifying subtraction tests and exercises and (2) for formulating related questions and conjectures. It is mainly a logical analysis subject to…

This paper reports the results of a ten-week study investigating the use of electronic calculators to perform basic operations with rational numbers in ninth-grade mathematics classes. In all, six classes and 101 students were involved. A short literature review is given and three treatments are described. Dependent variables were five mastery…

Studied the calculating ability used by a low IQ savant to identify prime numbers in two experiments comparing him to control subjects, one involving reaction time and the other involving inspection time. Concludes that this individual uses a complex computational algorithm to identify primes and discusses the apparent contradiction of his low IQ.…

Presents research on students' use and understanding of algorithms in Poland. Concludes that there are detrimental side effects that stem from the teaching and learning of standard written algorithms. (ASK)

Common mistakes pupils make when adding fractions are categorized and analyzed. (MP)

Analyzes a didactical sequence for the teaching of addition and subtraction procedures and algorithms. Uses didactical procedures by children in problem solving activities in order to gain a better understanding of the interaction between numbers, numeration, and operations knowledge which are involved in the construction of addition and…

A computer program in BASIC is presented, with the underlying algorithm explained, for multiplying any two multi-digit numbers and obtaining an exact answer. (MP)

An algebra test administered to (n=18) first-year college students found a disregard for negative numbers, ineffective use of counterexamples, misapplication of rules, and a lack of a good grasp of relevant mathematical terminology. (12 references) (MKR)

Describes a research project designed to monitor the transition from work based on concrete materials to the more formalized aspect of mathematics found in secondary schools. The topic of subtraction was chosen by three teachers who were involved in the investigation. (PK)

Students recognized as less successful individuals in mathematics are tested for their understanding of fractions. The data reveals that most were only able to apply remembered rules to problems without actually knowing if the rule worked for the given situation. (MP)

Investigated the continuous fraction concepts of (n=59) students in grades four, five, and six. Students were confident and accurate when performing sharing tasks, but were much less successful on continuous quantity tasks involving formal fraction language and symbol manipulation fraction tasks. (14 references) (Author/MKR)