The dynamics of some common sports, such as race walking, running, cycling, jumping, and throwing, are presented. Rough estimates of the relevant physical quantities required for these individual sports are discussed. General mathematical formulas are derived which can be used for judging the performance of any athlete. (Author/KR)

A new trigonometric identity derived from factorizations and partial fractions is given. This identity is used to evaluate the Poisson integral via Riemann sum and to establish some trigonometric summation identities.

Developed are simple recursion formulas for generating the exact distribution of the longest run of heads, both for a fair coin and for a biased coin. Discusses the applications of runs-related phenomena such as molecular biology, Markov chains, geometric variables, and random variables. (YP)

Discusses the use of the recursive method to permutations of n objects and a problem making c cents in change using pennies and nickels when order is important. Presents a LOGO program for the examples. (YP)

Discusses an alternative form of the quadratic formula to solve quadratic equations. Presents an application to chemistry to illustrate the need for quadratic formulas better suited to approximations obtained using hand-held calculators. Addresses the problems of rounding errors, accuracy of solutions, and factoring as a method of solution. (MDH)

Starting from the energy and degeneracy of the Landau levels of a free-electron gas in a magnetic field, the nonoscillatory term of the Landau diamagnetism is derived for T=O, using elementary algebra only. (Author/JN)

Presents a short study of proper values of two-by-two matrices with real entries. Gives examples of symmetric matrices and applications to systems of linear equations of perpendicular lines intersecting at the origin and central conics rotated about the origin to eliminate the xy term from its equation. (MDH)

Presents a public-key cryptosystem application to introduce students to several topics in discrete mathematics. A computer algorithms using recursive methods is presented to solve a problem in which one person wants to send a coded message to a second person while keeping the message secret from a third person. (MDH)

A pair of experiments, appropriate for the lower division fourth semester calculus or differential equations course, are presented. The second order differential equation representing the equation of motion of a simple pendulum is derived. The period of oscillation for a particular pendulum can be predicted from the solution to this equation. As a…

Many drugs are used up by the body at rates described in terms of exponential decay. Two simple exponential formulas are discussed. (MNS)

This set of transparencies shows how the manipulation of combinatorial structures in the context of modern combinatorics can easily lead to interesting teaching and learning activities at every level of education from elementary school to university. The transparencies describe: (1) the importance and relations of combinatorics to science and…

"TK!Solver" was designed as a personal computing tool to solve problems involving mathematical calculations and analysis. An in-depth review of this model building and problem-solving package is provided. System commands, applications (including data lists, plots/graphs, iterative problem-solving, present values), and other areas are…

A problem, motivated by the conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius, is related to classical Diophantine equations. (MK)

Presents examples of 3-by-3 and 4-by-4 magic squares. Proves that the numbers 1 to 10 can not be fitted to the intersections of a pentagram and that the sum of the 4 numbers on each line is always 22. (YP)

Shows a series of Euclidean equations using the Euclidean algorithm to get the greatest common divisor of two integers. Describes the use of the equations to generate a series of circles. Discusses computer generation of Euclidean circles and provides a BASIC program. (YP)