Describes a two-day program within a developmental mathematics course utilizing group-building exercises and initiative problems (problems with physical solutions) to foster communication, problem-solving skills, and math confidence. Presents results of student evaluations of program showing increased interest and confidence in mathematics, and…

Provided is a teacher's guide for a problem-solving activity that establishes a link between number patterns and geometry by focusing on the development of recurrence relations established when generating central polygonal numbers. Reproducible worksheets and a 3.0 BASIC program for the activity are given. (MDH)

Presents a series of 13 activities to explore the mathematics of baseball. Activities examine the numerical measures of player statistics and team standings and the geometry of baseball. Discusses the use of computer spreadsheets and LOGO computer simulations to study the concepts embodied in the activities. (MDH)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using problem-solving strategies in middle school mathematics classes. Participants were seventh grade Pre-algebra students from a school located in Maryland. Sixty-nine students participated in the study. Using math attitudinal surveys, exit tickets, observations and interviews as…

An estimation tool for symmetric univariate nonlinear regression is presented. The method is based on introducing a nontrivial set of affine coordinates for diffeomorphisms of the real line. The main ingredient making the computations possible is the Connes-Moscovici Hopf algebra of these affine coordinates.

This article, which describes integrating virtual manipulatives with the teaching of probability at the elementary level, puts a "virtual spin" on the teaching of probability to provide more opportunities for students to experience successful learning. The traditional use of concrete manipulatives is enhanced with virtual coins and spinners from…

Stereotype threat (ST) occurs when the awareness of a negative stereotype about a social group in a particular domain produces suboptimal performance by members of that group. Although ST has been repeatedly demonstrated, far less is known about how its effects are realized. Using mathematical problem solving as a test bed, the authors demonstrate…

Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) discovered a "curious" method for computing determinants. It is an iterative process that uses determinants of 2 x 2 submatrices of a matrix to obtain a smaller matrix. When the process ends, the result is the determinant of the original matrix. This article discusses both the algorithm and what may have led Dodgson…

The geometric problem of finding the number of normals to the parabola y = x[squared] through a given point is equivalent to the algebraic problem of finding the number of distinct real roots of a cubic equation. Apollonius solved the former problem, and Cardano gave a solution to the latter. The two problems are bridged by Neil's (semi-cubical)…

In this article, the authors consider the exponential curves y = ba[superscript x] where a, b [is a member of] R, a [greater than] 0, a [not equal to] 1, and b [not equal to] 1. The authors show that by fixing one of a or b the points (x[subscript 0],y[subscript 0) of tangency of y = ba[superscript x] and the line passing through the origin lie on…

In this article, the author presents a six by six array in which individuals can obtain 182 in total even if they use a different set of numbers. The author then explain why this is possible. The author uses the k-translation of a sequence for this equation. (Contains 8 figures, 2 tables and 6 footnotes.)

The equilibrium of a flexible inextensible string, or chain, in the centrifugal force field of a rotating reference frame is investigated. It is assumed that the end points are fixed on the rotation axis. The shape of the curve, the skipping rope curve or "troposkien", is given by the Jacobi elliptic function sn. (Contains 3 figures.)

In this article, we show how "Laplace Transform" may be used to evaluate variety of nontrivial improper integrals, including "Probability" and "Fresnel" integrals. The algorithm we have developed here to evaluate "Probability, Fresnel" and other similar integrals seems to be new. This method transforms the evaluation of certain improper integrals…

Two problems in projectiles are discussed which generate interesting loci.

A technique is presented, which is different from the well-known Ferrari's method, to solve a general quartic equation. Formulae for the four roots of quartic are derived. A numerical example verifies the formulae obtained.