Investigates how animation is used to improve students' comprehension of the limit concept in an experimental course in which the main topics are approximation and interpolation by Taylor polynomials. Uses Mathematica software to generate the dynamic graphics, visualize the process of convergence, and give meaning to the definitions. Analyzes…

Describes and compares the Archimedes and the Zu Xuan approaches in computing the volume of sphere in the East and West. Discusses how to motivate a group of teacher trainees to relate these two approaches to the evolution of calculus ideas. (Author/KHR)

Solutions for a problem in which the time necessary for an object to fall into the sun from the average distance from the earth to the sun are presented. Both calculus- and noncalculus-based solutions are presented. A sample computer solution is included. (CW)

Presented is a method of interchanging the x-axis and y-axis for viewing the graph of the inverse function. Discussed are the inverse function and the usual proofs that are used for the function. (KR)

Discussed are the vital properties that an operator must have to be called a derivative and how derivatives work. Presented is an extension of the derivative that uses least squares to find the line of best fit. (KR)

Presented is L'Hopital's rule for the evaluation of limits in the case when x goes to infinity using geometric concepts. Included are the rule, extensions, counterexamples, and a rule for sequences. (KR)

Mathematicians, already worried that the demand for doctoral degrees is outracing the supply, are now trying to answer charges that they have ignored teaching in favor of scholarship, but change efforts are limited. Some say such a change would challenge mathematicians' traditional understanding of their role. (MSE)

Investigates using computer spreadsheets in math classes. Describes current spreadsheets on the market. Summarizes how the spreadsheets work and provides information to build a template to find function maximums and minimums. Lists step by step instructions. (MVL)

Some appearances of pi in a wide variety of problems are presented. Sections focus on some history, the first analytical expressions for pi, Euler's summation formula, Euler and Bernoulli, approximations to pi, two and three series for the arctangent, more analytical expressions for pi, and arctangent formulas for calculating pi. (MNS)

Reports on the use of technology to enhance the teaching of ordinary differential equations, gives examples of laboratory activities using cooperative learning, and discusses assessment of student learning. MacMath, TI-81 graphing calculators, and Maple were used in the course. (Author/MKR)

Despite scoring lower on the mathematics Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-M) prior to taking an advanced placement calculus course, female students (n=85) scored as well as males (n=51) on the Advanced Placement BC level calculus test. Predictors of AP scores were: first, scores on the Calculus Readiness Test; second, scores on the SAT-M; and…

Six specific instances in which supplemental instruction (SI) leaders guide student inquiry in college algebra and calculus are described. The active learning strategies used in the situations are analyzed, focusing on the role of the leader and the support provided by SI leader training and supervision. (MSE)

Two studies of the effectiveness of supplemental instruction (SI) for college-level calculus courses are reported. In each, achievement was compared for students whose discussion groups were conducted using the supplemental instruction (SI) model and those whose discussion groups were conducted with traditional content-only focus. In both cases,…

This study investigated the effects of various levels of secondary school calculus experience on performance in first-year college calculus, with focus on student performance on conceptual and procedural exam items. Students who had a year of secondary school calculus differed significantly in performance from those who had either no experience or…

The history of the journal "Esercitazioni Matematiche" (1921-43) edited by the "Circolo Matematico di Catania" for university students is described. A selection of proposed problems with some of their solutions is reported. (Author)