Technologies play a prominent role in current reforms of school and collegiate mathematics. This study examined ways in which first-semester calculus students still showed the influence of a graphing-intensive college algebra course they had studied one or two semesters earlier. Students (n=18) at a large research university were asked to solve a…

Explores the extent and nature of students' calculator usage as determined from examination scripts in the Western Australian Calculus Tertiary Entrance Examination. Discusses errors made and understanding called upon for seven questions. Discusses instruction and assessment of skills associated with graphical interpretation. (Author/KHR)

Uses parametric equations and a graphing calculator to investigate the connections among the algebraic, numerical, and graphical representations of functions. (MKR)

Analysis of the constraints and potential of the artefact are necessary in order to point out the mathematical knowledge involved in using calculators. Analyzes and categorizes observations of students using graphic and symbolic calculators into profiles, illustrating the transformation of the calculator into an efficient mathematical instrument.…

The graphing calculator affords the student in analysis a powerful tool to extend visualization, which was previously limited to textbook illustrations and time-consuming constructions. Provides illustrative examples used in initial classroom presentations of several topics including convergence and in student explorations of these topics. (ASK)

Describes the five-year evolution of a multi-sectioned precalculus course for business and health professions majors at the University of Hartford. Concludes that students have benefited from the revised course that uses the graphing calculator, calculator-based laboratory (CBL), and group work. (ASK)

For over a decade mathematics instructors have been using graphing calculators in courses ranging from developmental mathematics (Beginning and Intermediate Algebra) to Calculus and Statistics. One of the key functions that make them so powerful in the teaching and learning process is their ability to find curves of best fit. Instructors may use…

The chain rule is one of the hardest ideas to convey to students in Calculus I. It is difficult to motivate, so that most students do not really see where it comes from; it is difficult to express in symbols even after it is developed; and it is awkward to put it into words, so that many students can not remember it and so can not apply it…

This booklet contains a representative sample of the efforts of colleagues at 11 institutions to use graphing calculators to enhance the teaching of calculus and precalculus. The first section contains examples of graphs for teachers to choose from for presentations, including: simple examples to illustrate some standard ideas in precalculus,…

Illustrates exploration of composition of functions, translations, and inverse functions on a graphing calculator. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Attempts to answer and generalize the question: When is the numerical derivative obtained on the graphing calculator greater than the actual derivative, and when is it smaller? Discusses symmetric difference. (MKR)

Describes how the meaning of a tool was constructed by students and their teacher, and how students used the tool to construct mathematical meaning out of particular tasks through a qualitative classroom-based study. Suggests that the nature of the mathematical tasks and the role, knowledge, and beliefs of the teacher influenced the emergence of…

Criticizes the method of using calculators for the purpose of selecting candidates for L, for the limit value of a function. Suggests an alternative: a working formula for calculating the limit value L of a real function in terms of infinitesimals. (Author/ASK)

Investigates the impact of the TI-89 hand-held Computer Algebra System (CAS) on student achievement in a first year college core calculus course. Analyzes data from an experimental study conducted at the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1998-2000. Results indicate that the TI-89 hand-held CAS experimental group attained a higher…

This study compared the test scores of AP Calculus students. Two methods were used to work the calculus problems: the traditional pencil and paper method and the graphing calculator method. Four researcher-constructed assessments on various calculus topics were administered over a six-week period to two sections of high school AP Calculus…