This article describes how we used the context of mailing a package with seventh-grade students to explore and connect the different representations of step and linear functions. (Contains 2 tables and 7 figures.)

It is in the field of numerical analysis that this "easy-looking" function, also known as the Runge function, exhibits a behavior so idiosyncratic that it is mentioned even in most undergraduate textbooks. In spite of the fact that the function is infinitely differentiable, the common procedure of (uniformly) interpolating it with polynomials that…

This study of student performance in an online Algebra course looked at the development, implementation, and evaluation of interactive tools for graphing linear equations. The study focused on an interactive tool that was evaluated with virtual school Algebra students for a challenging component of the course. The performance of these students in…

The author illustrates many problems in which drawing graphs of functions involving absolute values assists in the solution of algebraic equations and inequalities. (SD)

A nontraditional approach of graphing equations using parallel axes produces some dual concepts when compared to graphing equations with the traditional perpendicular axes. (JT)

A discussion of the so-called rose curves defined by simple trigonometric functions in polar coordinates. (MM)

A method for finding the complex roots of a graph is detailed. A conjecture is made regarding the nature of zero points of fourth-degree polynomial functions, but it is not proven in general. Mathematical induction is viewed as a promising tool to prove the conjecture that turned out unproductive. (MP)

This investigation concerns student understanding of the concept of gradient. Six items are discussed from a series of tests constructed for Technical Education Council (TEC) qualification. It is concluded that confusion exists, and a summary of apparent student difficulties is presented. (MP)

Topics covered are: a game to provide drill with linear equations; the relationship between area and perimeter in a triangle; a new form for factoring polynomials; and a technique for graphing inverse functions. (MP)