The purpose of these modules is to provide an introduction to the world of probability and statistics to accelerated mathematics students at the high school level. The materials are centered on the fictional town of Happy Shores, a coastal community which is at risk for hurricanes. Actuaries at an insurance company figure out the risks and…

A method for finding the complex roots of a graph is detailed. A conjecture is made regarding the nature of zero points of fourth-degree polynomial functions, but it is not proven in general. Mathematical induction is viewed as a promising tool to prove the conjecture that turned out unproductive. (MP)

This activity guide is a supplement to the November 1996 issue of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Student Math Notes. It contains a series of problems based on one main story problem. Using this problem and the other problems contained in the guide based on it, students explore different mathematical concepts such as graph theory,…

Teaching suggestions for graphing the function y=sin 1/x and the greatest integer function are given. (MK)

Two posters are presented that emphasize graphing in a Halloween setting. Both provide practice in reading and interpreting bar graphs. (MNS)

An examination of a student question concerning a calculus problem leads to a discussion of some of the symmetric properties of a specific set of polynomials. (MP)

Presents an alternate approach to teaching quadratics by fully integrating the study of quadratic equations and quadratic functions using graphs. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Presents a teacher's guide and reproducible student worksheets to develop the procedure for finding the inverse of a function. (MKR)

Presents activities designed to help students bridge the gap between the graphical representation of a function and a verbal description. Includes a number of nonstandard graphs and reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Students are given the opportunity to deal with many kinds of data as they make graphs and interpret the results of polls. Worksheets are provided on filling in a graph grid and making bar and circle graphs as well as interpreting each. (MNS)

The usual methods for solving quadratic equations are noted to require either the use of numerical formula or curve plotting on graph paper. The method described here enables pupils to solve equations using only a 45 degree setsquare, graph paper, and a pencil for those which have both real roots and real coefficients. (Author/MP)

This is part one of a three-part School Mathematics Study Group (SMSG) textbook. This part contains the first five chapters including: (1) Analytic Geometry, (2) Coordinates and the Line, (3) Vectors and Their Applications, (4) Proof by Analytic Methods, and (5) Graphs and Their Equations. (MK)

The activities presented here focus on symmetry. The materials aim to provide experience in: (1) observing grid-drawn pictures and coloring in appropriate squares; (2) making symmetric designs about two lines of symmetry; (3) using a ruler and protractor; and (4) using a ruler, protractor, and compass. Worksheet masters are provided. (MP)

This activity exposes beginning algebra students to the concepts of slope and intercept. Four worksheets pertain to the "electrician problem." (MNS)

Stressed is a conceptual approach to absolute value, based on the visualization of the graphs of absolute-value equations. An important by-product is predicting a graph on the basis of certain constraints. Four worksheets plus teacher comments are included. (MNS)