Illustrated are three proofs of the Pythagorean theorem. Information for instruction is provided. (YP)

Identifies four causes of confusion in reading mathematics related to numbers, symbols and sentences, vocabulary, and directionality. Discusses techniques for overcoming each type of the confusion. (YP)

Discusses a student project visualizing the surface of a function using computer graphics. Describes topics to complete the project, function and its domain, scaling, coordinate axes, projection of the surface, sketching the graph, plotting, changing the viewpoint, and rotating the axes. Provides a BASIC program using the rotation of the axes and…

Describes the theory and operation of a computer program which was written to balance chemical equations. Software consists of a compiled file of 46K for use under MS-DOS 2.0 or later on IBM PC or compatible computers. Additional specifications of courseware and availability information are included. (Author/RT)

Summarizes some student misconceptions concerning the concept of equality. Provides several ways to modify present instruction. Describes a way to model the relational view of equals using balances. (YP)

Some appearances of pi in a wide variety of problems are presented. Sections focus on some history, the first analytical expressions for pi, Euler's summation formula, Euler and Bernoulli, approximations to pi, two and three series for the arctangent, more analytical expressions for pi, and arctangent formulas for calculating pi. (MNS)

Presents a quantitative method for implementing management by objectives (MBO) in library technical services. Several mathematical formulas show the relationships between such variables as: (1) volume of works; (2) total materials budget; (3) number of staff; (4) working hours; (5) productivity; and (6) tasks. (four references) (MES)

Discussion of CD-ROM evaluation and selection processes focuses on a pairwise comparison method for knowledge acquisition with a consistency measure as a validation technique. Highlights include human experts' preferences and judgments; a CD-ROM selection model, including format, contents, usage, and technical considerations; and consistency…

Compares the trends of women's and men's world records for the 800-meter run using the linear and power regression capabilities of a graphing calculator. (MDH)

Discussion of methods for gathering journal use information in academic libraries (for retention decisions) highlights an 8.4-year time-series of weekly library journal pickup data. Use of the autocorrelation function, spectral analysis, and intervention analysis is described.(LRW)

Describes the development of a gravity model based upon principles of spatial interaction to predict the circulation of libraries in the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (Indiana). The model effectively predicted past circulation figures and was tested by predicting future library circulation, particularly for a new branch library.…

Presents a hyperknowledge framework of decision support systems (DSS). This framework formalizes specifics about system functionality, representation of knowledge, navigation of the knowledge system, and user-interface traits as elements of a DSS environment that conforms closely to human cognitive processes in decision making. (Contains 52…

This paper describes the application of the Student Edition of MathCAD as a computational aid in an introductory graduate level pharmacokinetics course. The program allows the student to perform mathematical calculations and analysis on a computer screen. The advantages and disadvantages of this application are discussed. (GLR)

Cultivates a definition for the surface area of a sphere with successive approaches. The first utilizes the notion that a sphere cannot be "developed" in the mathematical sense that a cylinder can be cut, unrolled, and measured. The second considers approximations by polyhedra. The third uses Minkowski's definition to introduce the…

Many colleges and universities set spending from endowment at a fixed fraction of its market value. Analysis of this policy suggests that the maximum permissible spending fraction is related to the institution's target growth rate and the endowment's real return. Mathematical formulas and charts specifying this relationship are offered. (MSE)