Describes the use of step-functions in modelling instruction. Classifies modelling into three categories: direct, analogical, and creative application. Provides and discusses modelling postal rates and other problems as examples. (YP)

Presented are mathematical games in six categories of mathematical objectives: learn the language of mathematics; use mathematical notation; know facts; develop skills; understand concepts; and devise strategies. Numbers of players, rules, and diagrams are provided for each problem. (YP)

This article discusses the impact of symbolic-manipulation systems on secondary school mathematics curriculum. Characteristics and possible roles for the symbolic systems are explored. Four references are listed. (YP)

Suggests computer graphing as a topic for computer programing. Reviews Apple II computer graphics information and gives suggestions for writing the programs. Presents equations to help place information onto the screen with proper coordinates. (MVL)

Explains the significance of the mole as a unit of measure by showing the relationship between physical quantities and their mathematical representations. Offers a summary of the principles of metrology that make creation of physical quantities and units seem reasonable. A table of base physical quantities and units is included. (RT)

The issues arising in Australian as universities are allowed to charge foreign students the actual cost of their education and to charge fees of Australian students registered in some graduate courses are discussed, and a method for calculating fees is presented. (MSE)

Identifies a set of objects that is genuinely indigenous to management information systems and constructs a simple model based on them. The model's four basic entities, which define the scope of information theory, are data, information, knowledge, and wisdom. (Contains 46 references.) (KRN)

Investigates the use of mathematical representations in 3 grade-8 general science classes (n=65) that engaged in a 10-week open inquiry about the correlations between biological and physical variables in the environment. Demonstrates the use of representations as conscription devices, and illustrates how the use and understanding of inscriptions…

Proposes a new learning algorithm to improve the retrieval effectiveness of the search system used in the hypertext environment using an extended Boolean model with links to improve the ranking of retrieved items. Highlights include the basic retrieval scheme, the learning scheme, and a review of basic probabilistic retrieval models. (Contains 32…

Reviews the pressure-volume law from the point of view of its historical emergence from 1644-1662 and its application in the science classroom. Proposes a classification scheme for algebraic mathematical expressions based on their historical context as a means of assigning significance to the mathematical expressions commonly used in science.…

Establishment of college policy for determining the proportion of the budget allotted to student financial aid is discussed. The classic marketing approach to revenue optimization is outlined and adapted for college decision-making. Mathematical formulas for addressing differing institutional enrollment situations and risk factors are offered.…

Discusses the design of multiversion information retrieval systems and provides a theoretical justification for the necessity of creating such systems to perform an optimal search for the user's information needs. Topics discussed include comparing query formulations; feedback algorithms; an experiment with a test collection; and the mechanism of…

Examines problems that commonly appear in the definition and discussion of work in physics textbooks. Presents the work-energy theorem, provides examples contradicting erroneous statements often found in textbook, and discusses the inconsistent terminology utilized with respect to force and work. (MDH)

Proposes a model for technical journal deselection based on the Bradford law of distribution. The model's operational prescriptives, characteristics of the Bradford distribution in the field of pediatrics, and relevance to collection management are discussed. (42 references) (KRN)

Describes numerical differentiation and the central difference formula in numerical analysis. Presents three computer programs that approximate the first derivative of a function utilizing the central difference formula. Analyzes conditions under which the approximation formula is exact. (MDH)