This article shows how ideas of maximum or minimum values of fundamental quantities have developed through the ages. (Author/JG)

The Math Forum is an online resource center for pre-algebra, algebra, geometry and pre-calculus. Its Virtual Math Teams (VMT) service provides an integrated web-based environment for small teams of people to discuss math and to work collaboratively on math problems or explore interesting mathematical micro-worlds together. The VMT Project studies…

In this short note is presented an easy and instructive proof of l'Hopital's Rule in both the 0/0 and [infinity]/[infinity] cases, obtained by translating the theorem into a simple geometric statement about paths in the plane. (Contains 4 figures.)

For a given orbital period and eccentricity, we determine the maximum time lapse between the winter solstice and the spring equinox on a planet. In addition, given an axial precession path, we determine the effects on the seasons. This material can be used at various levels to illustrate ideas such as periodicity, eccentricity, polar coordinates,…

This article presents an instructional approach to constructing discovery-oriented activities. The cornerstone of the approach is a systematically asked question "If a mathematical statement under consideration is plausible, but wrong anyway, how can one fix it?" or, in brief, "If not, what yes?" The approach is illustrated with examples from…

Based on a sequence of number pairs, a recent paper (Mauch, E. and Shi, Y., 2005, Using a sequence of number pairs as an example in teaching mathematics, "Mathematics and Computer Education," 39(3), 198-205) presented some interesting examples that can be used in teaching high school and college mathematics classes such as algebra, geometry,…

The second of three volumes of a mathematics training course for Navy personnel, this document contains material primarily found at the college level. Beginning with logarithms and trigonometry, the text moves into vectors and static equilibrium (physics). Coordinate geometry, conic sections, and the tangents, normals, and slopes of curves follow.…

How current calculus textbooks consider the relationship between the tangent line and the derivative are discussed, with three theorems presented. (MNS)

Brief articles on topological regular solids giving a proof of Euler's Theorem and the Regularity Theorem; calculus theorems; including a limit theorem, the Law of the Man, and the Intermediate Value Theorem, applied to catching calves, drunk cowboys, and the border of Montana Respectively; and a discussion of the inequality tan A<A<sin A…

Presents a biography of the theologian and philosopher, Francis William Newman (1805-1897), the brother of John Henry Newman. His mathematical contributions were primarily in the area of analysis. (RS)

The notion that the area of an inscribed n-sided polygon approaches the area of a circle as n approaches infinity leads to some interesting limits involving trigonometric functions. (MP)

The article deals with the area of polygons that are inscribed in a given circle. Naturally, the following question arises: Among all n-polygons that are inscribed in a given circle, which one has the biggest area? Intuitively, it may be guessed that is suitable for secondary students, and without any use id calculus, but only using very…

Developing the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) Advanced 2008 Assessment Frameworks was a collaborative venture involving mathematics and physics experts from around the world. The document contains two frameworks for implementing TIMSS Advanced 2008--one for advanced mathematics and one for physics. It also contains…

How far does the back end of a bus swing out as the driver makes a turn at an intersection?'' is the problem discussed. (MM)

Examples are given of problems which can be solved pictorially, thus aiding in the general development of geometric intuition and in developing some of the basic ideas of probability. (MP)