This article explores the use of problem posing in the calculus classroom using investigative projects. Specially, four examples of student work are examined, each one differing in originality of problem posed. By allowing students to explore actual questions that they have about calculus, coming from their own work or class discussion, or…

This article presents a study in which applications were integrated in the Multivariable Calculus course at the Technion in the framework of supplementary tutorials. The purpose of the study was to test the opportunity of extending the conventional curriculum by optional applied problem-solving activities and get initial evidence on the possible…

This article presents an instructional approach to constructing discovery-oriented activities. The cornerstone of the approach is a systematically asked question "If a mathematical statement under consideration is plausible, but wrong anyway, how can one fix it?" or, in brief, "If not, what yes?" The approach is illustrated with examples from…

Ongoing action research at the University of Pretoria investigates first-year students' preparedness for a study in calculus. In 2005 first-year engineering students completed a mathematics diagnostic survey at the beginning and end of the year. In this article the results of the 2005 survey are compared with the students' final school marks in…

Consider the family of monic polynomials of degree n having zeros at -1 and +1 and all their other real zeros in between these two values. This article explores the size of these polynomials using the supremum of the absolute value on [-1, 1], showing that scaled Chebyshev and Bernstein polynomials give the extremes.

This paper considers the problem of approximating an integrable function by piecewise linear functions that keep the integral and positivity of the original function.

In order to get undergraduates interested in mathematics, it is essential to involve them in its "discovery". In this paper, we will explain how technology and the knowledge of lower dimensional calculus can be used to help them develop intuition leading to their discovering the first derivative rule in multivariable calculus. (Contains 7 figures.)

See JC 690 392 above. [Not available in hard copy because of marginal reproducibility of original.]

Reasons for using Rolle's Theorem in calculus are discussed, with comparisons to the theorems of Lagrange and Cauchy. (MNS)

Standard calculus textbooks often include a related rates problem involving light cast onto a straight line by a revolving light source. Mathematical aspects to these problems (both in the solution and in the method by which that solution is obtained) are examined. (JN)

The characteristic shape of the normal distribution, one hump and two tails, is discussed. The reasoning is based on variation, combinations, probability, and logarithms. The purpose is to be able to answer some of the "whys" students might ask. (LS)