In this article, the author argues that coordinate geometry and all its trappings should be banned from key stage 2 in English schools. To explain why he makes such a strong statement, he discusses geometry problems tackled by the Ancient Greeks, showing how meaningful problem solving can occur without the use of coordinates and the corresponding…

A typical form of thinking to approach problem solutions humanly is thinking in analogous structures. Therefore school, especially mathematical lessons should help to form and to develop corresponding heuristic abilities of the pupils. In the contribution, a summary of possibilities of mathematics lessons regarding this shall particularly be…

A method for generating sums of series based on simple differential operators is presented, together with a number of worked examples with interesting properties.

We sometimes teach our students a method of finding all integral triples that satisfy the Pythagorean Theorem x[squared]+y[squared]=z[squared]. These are called Pythagorean triples. In this paper, we show how to solve the equation x[squared]+ky[squared]=z[squared], where again, all variables are integers.

Presented is an informal technique for counting the number of different-sized equilateral triangles on an isometric grid. Five activities that relate to this topic are included. (KR)

The majority of research on mathematics practice in everyday situations within cultures has investigated the use of arithmetic and geometry concepts and processes. To extend this research to a situation using measurement ideas, this paper investigates the mathematics practice of a group of carpet layers in an effort to detail how ordinary people…

This project endeavored to develop a high school course for use in the classroom and for use with a computer-controlled system of programed lessons. Many difficulties such as those in the display and control of figures were encountered in trying to organize and prepare the material for the computer. The conclusion reached was that the solution to…

The problem "Given three planar points, find a point such that the sum of the distances from that point to the three points is a minimum" is discussed from several points of view. A solution that uses only calculus and geometry is examined in detail. (MNS)

Presents a classroom scenario in which a student concocts a unique solution to a standard circle exercise and the class attempts to verify if the solution works for all cases of the problem. (MKR)

Compared the performance of grade 9 mathematics students trained to use a self-explanation procedure during study of a new theorem in geometry to that of students using their usual study procedures. Results for 47 high school students reinforce the view that a self-explanation procedure can be seen as a simple but potentially powerful technique…

Describes the mathematics curriculum proposed by the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (PSSM)in which students build new mathematical knowledge through problem-solving. Compares the role of PSSM problem solving with that in the 1989 curriculum standards. (YDS)

Offers a tangible suggestion for how dot paper can be used to implement an exploratory approach to problem solving in middle school geometry. Presents some intriguing mathematical tasks that demonstrate the elegance of mathematics, the usefulness of dot paper as a teaching tool, and the value of divergent thinking approaches to problem solving.…

Students should be given an opportunity to explore and conjecture with the help of new technology to become good problem solver. Ron Mclister, while using the Geometer's Sketchpad to explore the Pythagorean theorem, came upon a nice result about the relationship of some geometrical patterns.