Reports what real life contexts meant while teaching Year 11 Geometry and Trigonometry. Presents problems to support the teaching of a topic on vectors in three-dimensional space. Takes a critical look at five of the problems in view of students' responses to them. (ASK)

Because of the extensiveness of the course outline for Math 301 (Manitoba Department of Education), schools would have had to purchase several different textbooks to cover the material adequately. Therefore, a set of materials to supplement the guide was developed. The exercises, projects, and reviews contained in this package are keyed to the 301…

Four examples of student misunderstandings from algebra and trigonometry are presented, and their implications are discussed. (MP)

This problem solving strategy is illustrated by examples from the fields of algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus. (MP)

Presents an approach to Vieta's formula involving pi and infinite product expansions of the sine and cosine functions. Indicates how the formula could be used in computing approximations of pi. (MVL)

The authors hypothesize that a means-end strategy places a load on cognitive processing capacity which retards knowledge acquisition. Three experiments using trigonometry problems with high school students were conducted in which the problem goal was modified to disrupt strategy used by novices. Results supported the authors' hypothesis.…

Uses a variation of Hansen's surveyor problem to illustrate how exploring students' assumptions can lead to interesting mathematical insights. Describes methods that utilize self-stick notes and overhead transparencies to adapt computer software to specific classroom needs. (MDH)

How the use of calculators can illuminate mathematics and improve the level of problem-solving discussion in classes is presented. (MP)

Argues that the derivation of the area of a circle using integral calculus is invalid. Describes the derivation of the area of a circle when the formula is not known by inscribing and circumscribing the circle with regular polygons whose areas converge to the same number. (MDH)

Designed as an avenue of communication for mathematics educators concerned with the views, ideas, and experiences of two-year college students and teachers, this journal contains articles on mathematics exposition and education, and regular features that present book and software reviews and math problems. The first of two issues of volume 9…

Argues for teaching different approaches to solving problems. Using a geometric example, alternative solutions are given which use synthetic geometry, transformation geometry, analytic geometry, complex numbers, trigonometry or vectors. (PK)

Some concrete examples of the use of historical materials in developing certain topics from precalculus and calculus are presented. Ideas which can be introduced with a reformulated curriculum are discussed in five areas: algorithms, combinatorics, logarithms, trigonometry, and mathematical models. (MNS)

We examine the behavior of the curvature function associated with most common families of functions and curves, with the focus on establishing where maximum curvature occurs. Many examples are included for student illustrations. (Contains 18 figures.)

Aspects of the instruction of trigonometry in secondary school mathematics are reviewed. Portions of this document cover basic introductions, a student-developed theorem, the cosine rule, inverse functions, and a sample outdoor activity. (MP)