Presents examples of 3-by-3 and 4-by-4 magic squares. Proves that the numbers 1 to 10 can not be fitted to the intersections of a pentagram and that the sum of the 4 numbers on each line is always 22. (YP)

Explored are various aspects of drawing graphs on surfaces. The Euler's formula, Kuratowski's theorem and the drawing of graphs in the plane with as few crossings as possible are discussed. Some applications including embedding of graphs and coloring of maps are included. (YP)

Investigated are three misconceptions of probability and the differential effect of two activity-based instructional units. Response categories (law of averages, law of small numbers, and availability) are identified. Treatment differences (evaluation or no evaluation) appear to influence subjects' interpretations of the information. (YP)

Discusses the needs and the content of a philosophy of mathematics course. Provided are sample term paper topics, sample final exam items, and an annotated bibliography. (YP)

Examined whether the relationship between selected affective variables and mathematics achievement was different for nontraditional college students (more than 25 years old) than for traditional students. Reports no significant differences for pretest/posttest between traditional/nontraditional students. Lists affective predictors for mathematics…

Discusses how to express an n factorial as a product of powers of primes. Provides two examples and answers. Presents four related suggestions. (YP)

Provides several problems and their solutions for a descriptive statistics course. Included are problems related to measurement, data collection, sample construction, applications, and computation. Discusses the misleading nature of statistics. (YP)

Examines some of the opinions and recommendations expressed in the current literature regarding changes computing technology may bring to the undergraduate mathematics curriculum. Discusses the views of educators, the stances taken by professional groups, and a look to the future. (26 references) (YP)

Provides a BASIC program to compute the number of shuffles required for packs containing even numbers of cards up to 100. Lists 4 further questions on the shuffling program. (YP)

Shows a series of Euclidean equations using the Euclidean algorithm to get the greatest common divisor of two integers. Describes the use of the equations to generate a series of circles. Discusses computer generation of Euclidean circles and provides a BASIC program. (YP)

Investigated was the relation between student ability to translate sentences into equations, equations into sentences, and student performance in formal operational reasoning, proportional reasoning, and introductory-level chemistry. Results indicate that students who lack formal operational skills may experience problems in the translation of…

This study investigated the relationship between mathematical performance and mathematics self-efficacy, attitudes toward mathematics, and the choice of mathematics-related majors by college women and men. Performance and self-efficacy correlate positively with attitudes, masculine sex-role orientation, and a mathematics-related major. (Author/DC)

A structured system of visual features is seen to parallel the propositional hierarchy of operations usually associated with the parsing of algebraic expressions. Women more than men were found to depend on these visual cues. Possible causes and consequences are discussed. Subjects were secondary and college students. (Author/DC)

Discusses two answers to the question of why we teach calculus in the college mathematics curriculum: (1) calculus is used in real mathematical applications across a variety of disciplines; and (2) the historical development of calculus exposes students to the foundation of the scientific world view. (MDH)

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)