This paper contains interesting facts regarding the powers of odd ordered special circulant magic squares along with their magic constants. It is shown that we always obtain circulant semi-magic square and special circulant magic square in the case of even and odd positive integer powers of these magic squares respectively. These magic squares…

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty generalizing from directly trained responses to untrained responses (i.e., emergent responding). In this study, we used a chain prompt combined with matrix training to teach 2 participants with ASD to tact 192 three-digit numerals. We used a multiple-baseline design across matrices to…

Our goal in this article is to organise an epistemological matrix for the concept of rational number that contemplates its different meanings. Aiming at understanding the various ways to signify the rational numbers and based on the theoretical-methodological approach of conceptual profiles, we produce and analyse data from various sources,…

We present an algorithm for a matrix-based Enigma-type encoder based on a variation of the Hill Cipher as an application of 2 × 2 matrices. In particular, students will use vector addition and 2 × 2 matrix multiplication by column vectors to simulate a matrix version of the German Enigma Encoding Machine as a basic example of cryptography. The…

A second course in linear algebra that goes beyond the traditional lower-level curriculum is increasingly important for students of the mathematical sciences. Although many applications involve only real numbers, a solid understanding of complex arithmetic often sheds significant light. Many instructors are unaware of the opportunities afforded by…

In Brazil we have identified a predilection of the authors of Mathematical History books for the discussion of the fundamentals of Differential and Integral Calculus. On the other hand, when we consider the teaching of Mathematics in the school context, it is essential to know the teaching of the historical and dynamic evolution of the concepts,…

This article aims to illustrate a process of making connections, not between mathematics and other activities, but within mathematics itself--between diverse parts of the subject. Novel connections are still possible in previously explored mathematics when the material happens to be unfamiliar, as may be the case for a learner at any career stage.…

Usually a student learns to solve a system of linear equations in two ways: "substitution" and "elimination." While the two methods will of course lead to the same answer they are considered different because the thinking process is different. In this paper the author solves a system in these two ways to demonstrate the…

This paper deals with the modern development of matrices, linear transformations, quadratic forms and their applications to geometry and mechanics, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and characteristic equations with applications. Included are the representations of real and complex numbers, and quaternions by matrices, and isomorphism in order to show…

A general program for item-response analysis is described that uses the stabilized Newton-Raphson algorithm. This program is written to be compliant with Fortran 2003 standards and is sufficiently general to handle independent variables, multidimensional ability parameters, and matrix sampling. The ability variables may be either polytomous or…

In item response theory (IRT) modeling, the item parameter error covariance matrix plays a critical role in statistical inference procedures. When item parameters are estimated using the EM algorithm, the parameter error covariance matrix is not an automatic by-product of item calibration. Cai proposed the use of Supplemented EM algorithm for…

The aim of this article is to characterize the 2 x 2 matrices "X" satisfying X[superscript 2] = X + I and obtain some new identities concerning with Fibonacci and Lucas numbers. The recommendations regarding the teaching of the identities given in this article can be presented in two cases. The first is related to the pedagogical aspect. The…

The main purpose of this note is to present and justify proof via iteration as an intuitive, creative and empowering method that is often available and preferable as an alternative to proofs via either mathematical induction or the well-ordering principle. The method of iteration depends only on the fact that any strictly decreasing sequence of…

This note presents a brief and partial review of the work of Broom, Cannings and Vickers [1]. It also presents some simple examples of an extension of the their formalism to non-symmetric matrices. (Contains 1 figure.)

This article demonstrates how within an educational context, supported by the notion of hidden mathematics curriculum and enhanced by the use of technology, new mathematical knowledge can be discovered. More specifically, proceeding from the well-known representation of Fibonacci numbers through a second-order difference equation, this article…