This paper describes a classroom, instructor-led activity designed to show how graphic calculators can be used to explore coordinate geometry. The activity involves digitizing an image of a hand and transforming the image through geometrical transformations. Teaching notes and calculator instructions are included as are blackline masters. Also…

Presents an investigation of a third-degree polynomial using a TI-82 graphing calculator. Also includes an algebraic solution. (MKR)

Presents algebraic and geometric solutions with surprising twists to a word problem involving linear functions and postal rates. (MKR)

Presents an overview and discussion of some results of research on the use of graphing calculators organized into the following categories: (1) achievement studies, (2) conceptual understanding, (3) problem solving, (4) classroom dynamics, and (5) future research needed. (29 references) (MKR)

This yearbook focuses on the role of technology in school mathematics. Chapters are replete with classroom-tested ideas for using technology to teach new mathematical ideas and to teach familiar mathematical ideas better. Chapters included: (1) "Using the Graphing Calculator in the Classroom: Helping Students Solve the "Unsolvable" (Eric Milou,…

Computer spreadsheets, computer graphing software, and programable graphing calculators are each demonstrated in the computational process of numerical iteration as a problem-solving method. Examples, illustrations, practical tips, and a typical calculator program are included. (JJK)

Use of calculators for teaching percent to first-year general mathematics students is explained by addressing such areas as sequence of lessons, teaching/learning problems, calculator errors, and recommended instructional strategies. Teaching concepts independent of calculator usage, not using special percentage keys, and initiating estimation as…

Presents several problems that use calculator or computer-generated graphs of the absolute value function as related to the maximum and minimum functions to illustrate the statistical concepts of range, median, mean, and variance. (MDH)

Entering a value into a calculator and repeatedly performing a function f(x) on the calculator can lead to the solution of the equation f(x)=x. Explores the outcomes of performing this iterative process on the calculator. Discusses how patterns of the resulting sequences converge, diverge, become cyclic, or display chaotic behavior. (MDH)

Describes five college and two high school students' understandings of function and limit in a graphics calculator-based environment and identifies instances where students' understanding seems to have been influenced by the availability of a graphing calculator. (27 references) (MKR)

The advent of calculators for graphing and function plotters is changing the way college algebra and calculus are taught. This paper illustrates how the machines are used for teaching the following: (1) domain and range; (2) product and quotient inequalities; and (3) the solving of equations. Instructional hints are provided for each topic with…

One method (attributed to Archimedes) of approximating pi offers a simple yet interesting introduction to one of the basic ideas of numerical analysis, an iteration sequence. The method is described and elaborated. (PK)

Appropriate uses for graphics calculators in precalculus and calculus are discussed. The functions of Casio, Sharp, and Hewlett-Packard brand calculators are stressed. A "Stress Test" for graphics calculators designed to illustrate common errors and to furnish examples of tasks which cannot be completed on these instruments is provided.…

Two trigonometry problems are presented. The first compares the graphs of the functions arcsin[sin(x)], arccos[cos(x)], and the identity function f(x)=x. The second, using the law of cosines, demonstrates that the solution of a triangle knowing two sides and the excluded angle is no longer ambiguous. (MDH)

Presents a calculator method to investigate the effects of varying parameters within mathematical functions in relationship to the accompanying changes in the family of their graphical representations. Suggests that the popularity of this activity makes it equally suitable for high school second-year algebra classes, preservice mathematics…