For a given rational number r, a classical theorem of Niven asserts that if cos(rp) is rational, then cos(rp) [element-of] {0,±1,±1/2}. In this note, we extend Niven's theorem to quadratic irrationalities and present an elementary proof of that.

The purpose of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the research published in the field of mathematics misconception from 1947 to 2023, to determine the general knowledge structure and participation in research publication. An analytical approach was used based on Scopus database data. This study used mixed methods; quantitative…

Students' competence in solving trigonometry has been in doubt but little attention has been given in the area of research. An assessment of students' answers to trigonometry problems is crucial to dealing with their conceptual challenges. This study employed a descriptive qualitative research design, with the goal of evaluating errors made by…

Music provides an excellent setting for students to explore trigonometric functions in a setting which is independent of their utility in resolving triangles. In this paper, we present several investigations using trigonometric functions to model musical phenomena. From a mathematical technology point of view, most examples require only function…

Researchers have reported that preservice mathematics teachers' (PMTs') conceptions for radian angle measure are dominated by conceptions of degrees, memorization, and calculational strategies, and are always expressed in terms on [pi]. In this report, I unpack the mathematical meanings of a PMT, Henry (pseudonym), as he engaged in three…

For integrals consisting of rational functions of sine and cosine a set of little known rules known as the Bioche rules are considered. The rules, which consist of testing the differential form of the integral for invariance under one of three simple substitutions x [right arrow] -- x, [pi] -- x, and [pi] + x, allow one to decide which of the…

The design principles of cognitive load theory and learning by analogy has independently contributed to our understanding why an instruction will or will not work. In an experimental study involving 97 Year 9 Australian students conducted in regular classrooms, we evaluated the effect of the unguided problem-solving approach, worked examples…

Feedback is a powerful instructional tool. However, even after decades of thorough studies, some questions regarding feedback remain unanswered. In particular, it is yet to be determined whether feedback elaboration is indeed helpful to students. In the study presented here, we take a learning analytics approach to investigate the effect of…

The present educational intervention study focused on addressing some areas of improvement in the teaching and learning of trigonometric ratios in high school students. A diagnostic evaluation was performed that revealed an instrumental understanding of trigonometric concepts by the students. Subsequently, a didactic sequence was implemented that…

We conducted a descriptive study among first-year engineering students at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. We analyzed students' errors regarding necessary prior knowledge in a calculus A exam. We found that the stage of the solution in which prior knowledge is required impacts the importance of prior knowledge. We also found that many…

This study examined the opportunity to learn function transformations afforded by the GeoGebra applets available on the GeoGebra website. Our analysis focused on the functions and their representations through which function transformations are explored in these GeoGebra applets, the effects and components of transformations that the GeoGebra…

Student's critical thinking skills that are currently still low are important to develop because they affect the way students think in solving problems. The problem-based learning model with the inquiry method used to help improve student's critical thinking skills. The iSpring learning media used can help students understand the material. The…

This article is the second in a series of activities that discusses some interesting relationships with triangles. Brian Sherman shows how to determine the altitudes of a triangle, its area, and the lengths of its circumradius and inradius. [For the first activity in the series, see EJ1259412.]

The present study aims to explore the effect of using dynamic mathematics software in a distance education environment on students' understanding of trigonometric functions. The sample of the study consists of 45 first-year students enrolled in two associate degree programs of a state university. In the research, the lessons in the experimental…

Trigonometry is an area of mathematics that students believe to be particularly difficult and/or abstract compared to other areas of mathematics. It is introduced as the concept in the right-angled triangle from the basic level, but the curriculum of Nepal introduced it from grade nine onwards as a separate chapter. Its content area has a…