Mastering traditional algorithms has formed mathematics teaching in primary education. Educational reforms have emphasized variation and creativity in teaching and using computational strategies. These changes have recently been criticized for lack of empirical support. This research examines the effect of teaching two differently structured…

The telescoping sum constitutes a powerful technique for summing series. In this note, this technique is illustrated by a series of problems starting off with some simple ones in arithmetic, then some in trigonometry, famous families of numbers, Apery-like formulas, and finally ending with a class of problems that are solved by computer.