When Johann Bernoulli published his lectures on integrals in 1742, integral calculus had become very advanced since the time of their composition in 1692. Nevertheless, these lectures are of excellent clarity and simplicity even when the book deals with major problems of Mathematical Physics. Just to pique some interest, we offer a commented…

Psychological studies of early numerical development fill a void in mathematics education research. However, conflations between magnitude awareness and number, and over-attributions of researcher conceptions to children, have led to psychological models that are at odds with findings from mathematics educators on later numerical development. In…

Using a dog's paw as a basis for numerical representation, sixth grade students explored how to count and regroup using the dog's four digital pads. Teachers can connect these base-4 explorations to the conceptual meaning of place value and regrouping using base-10.

Students around the world have difficulties in learning about fractions. In many countries, the average student never gains a conceptual knowledge of fractions. This research guide provides suggestions for teachers and administrators looking to improve fraction instruction in their classrooms or schools. The recommendations are based on a…

The author argues that the idea of canonical elements provides a coherent relationship between equivalence relations, the basis of modern approaches to too many mathematical topics, and the traditional aspect of computation. Examples of equivalent relations, canonical elements, and their calculations are given. (MK)

Discusses the history of different methods of representing numbers and how these representations facilitated counting and computing devices such as the abacus. (MDH)

The arithmetic needed for complex calculation using an electronic calculator is explained and exemplified. Problems involving square roots, number theory, Fibonacci numbers, and electrical resistances are solved. (SD)

Describes various aids and activities to help in planning lessons that will encourage the development of sound place value knowledge. Also discusses various instructional strategies to help students avoid problems which may lead to an incomplete or faulty understanding of place value. (JN)

Describes a multicultural enrichment project for 4th graders that highlights number systems and computation algorithms of various cultures. Discusses student responses and reactions. (KHR)

The concepts of number sense and numeration, operations, and whole-number computations and their importance are discussed. Activities cover developing concepts of operations, exploring patterns and relationships, and building an understanding of mathematical structure. (KR)

The content of the standards focusing on numbers and numeration for grades K-8 are discussed. Several activities for developing number concepts and skills are described. (YP)

Research on computational estimation and mental computation has received a considerable amount of attention from mathematics educators during the past decade. These proceedings resulted from a meeting to explore dimensions of number sense and its related fields. The participants came from three groups: mathematics educators actively pursuing…

Reasons which account for Asians' superiority in mathematics achievement are discussed in this paper. It is suggested that the regularity of the Oriental number system facilitates counting, calculation, and concepts. This paper reviews a study which sought to determine whether and how the structural regularity of a counting system affected the…

Discusses the use of the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus to motivate classroom activities related to computation and place value using the Egyptian number system. (PK)

While most elementary teachers experience little difficulty using the decimal system for whole numbers, many do not have the desired depth of understanding for teaching the system. The focus of the material is stage-by-stage creation of a hypothetical numeration system. (MP)