WYTHOFF is played on a pair of nonnegative integers, (M, N). A move either subtracts a positive integer from precisely one of M or N such that the result remains nonnegative, or subtracts the same positive integer from both M and N such that the results remain nonnegative. The first player unable to move loses. RATWYT uses rational numbers…

We review the history of snarks and give a selected survey of recent research. The article and snarks themselves are much more interesting than this summary makes them sound.

We produce a continuum of curves all of the same length, beginning with an ellipse and ending with a cosine graph. The curves in the continuum are made by cutting and unrolling circular cones whose section is the ellipse; the initial cone is degenerate (it is the plane of the ellipse); the final cone is a circular cylinder. The curves of the…

Using calculus only, we find the angles you can rotate the graph of a differentiable function about the origin and still obtain a function graph. We then apply the solution to odd and even degree polynomials.

Counting complete subgraphs of three vertices in complete graphs, yields combinatorial arguments for identities for sums of squares of integers, odd integers, even integers and sums of the triangular numbers.

The project models the conductive heat loss through the ceiling of a home. Students are led through a sequence of tasks from measuring the area and insulation status of a home to developing several functions leading to a net savings function where the depth of insulation is the input. At this point students use calculus or a graphing utility to…

If you want your students to graph a cubic polynomial, it is best to give them one with rational roots and critical points. In this paper, we describe completely all such cubics and explain how to generate them.

The last ten years have seen an explosion of research in the zero-divisor graphs of commutative rings--by professional mathematicians "and" undergraduates. The objective is to find algebraic information within the geometry of these graphs. This topic is approachable by anyone with one or two semesters of abstract algebra. This article gives the…

We explore how curvature and torsion determine the shape of a curve via the Frenet-Serret formulas. The connection is made explicit using the existence of solutions to ordinary differential equations. We use a paperclip as a concrete, visual example and generate its graph in 3-space using a CAS. We also show how certain physical deformations to…

Imagine trying to paint a picture with three colors--say red, blue, and yellow--with a blue region between any red and yellow regions, a red region between any blue and yellow regions, and a yellow region between any red and blue regions, down to infinitely fine details. Regions arranged in this way satisfy what is called the Wada property. At…

An interesting graphical interpretation of complex roots is presented, since it is probably unfamiliar to many mathematics teachers. (MNS)

Resistance destroys symmetry. In this note, a graphical exploration serves as a guide to a rigorous elementary proof of a specific asymmetry in the trajectory of a point projectile in a medium offering linear resistance.

The five Platonic solids are constructed (as graphs) from their rotational symmetry groups. The constructions are based on an idea of Bertram Kostant and are quite simple; conjugacy classes in the group are the vertices of the graphs and products determine adjacency.

Provides examples in which graphs are used in the statements of problems or in their solutions as a means of testing understanding of mathematical concepts. Examples (appropriate for a beginning course in calculus and analytic geometry) include slopes of lines and curves, quadratic formula, properties of the definite integral, and others. (JN)

How tedious algebraic manipulations for simplifying general quadratic equations can be supplemented with simple geometric procedures is discussed. These procedures help students determine the type of conic and its axes and allow a graph to be sketched quickly. (MNS)