The article presents and discusses an optimization problem concerned with observing objects from a moving car. (MK)

A project is described where the ultimate goal is to teach students methods of problem solving through an industrial engineering environment. Students practice sharing responsibility, understanding group dynamics, using resources efficiently, meeting deadlines, using mathematics in oral and written form, and applying the appropriate mathematics.…

Proposes a calculus curriculum combining formative knowledge, mathematical foundations, and instrumental knowledge in mathematics. Discusses each of these components, the organization of a core calculus course, and the use of problem solving in calculus instruction. (10 references) (MKR)

Computer algebra systems are frequently used for research. In addition, some instructors have based entire advanced courses around these systems. One benefit is that they allow students to become familiar with the methods of calculus by individual experimentation. However, instructors have generally seen computer algebra systems as unsuitable for…

This note contains material to be presented to students in a first course in differential equations immediately after they have completed studying first-order differential equations and their applications. The purpose of presenting this material is four-fold: to review definitions studied previously; to provide a historical context which cites the…

We show that there is a link between a standard calculus problem of finding the best view of a painting and special tangent lines to the graphs of exponential functions. Surprisingly, the exponential function with the "best view" is not the one with the base "e." A similar link is established for families of functions obtained by composing…

In terms of modern pedagogy, having visual interpretation of trigonometric functions is useful and quite helpful. This paper presents, pictorially, an easy approach to prove all single angle trigonometric identities on the axes. It also discusses the application of axial representation in calculus--finding the derivative of trigonometric functions.

A major source of challenging problems for students is the use of higher mathematics to derive elementary problems. Several examples are given. (MP)

A general method is given for determining an efficient problem-solving process for a given type problem. An application of the method is then described in an experiment involving teaching indefinite integration. (MP)

An interesting comparison of the techniques of geometry and calculus used to solve the same problem. (JP)

Examines the effects of two teaching techniques on college liberal arts majors' ability to solve calculus problems; concludes that instruction involving a modified directed reading-thinking activity followed by peer tutoring may improve problem-solving ability in calculus. (DD)