Loan and estimated payment problems are featured in this presentation of mathematics-oriented programing tasks designed for the beginning student. (MP)

Calculus can be taught using meaningful problems and active participation, with provocative problem situations and large-scale projects. An Ithaca College (New York) introductory calculus course uses this problem-based learning approach to develop understanding of central concepts (differentiation, integration, approximation) with less of the…

Reported is whether and how mathematics has changed during the 75 years of the Mathematical Association of America's (MAA) existence. The progress of mathematics is organized into 9 concepts, 2 explosions, and 11 developments. (KR)

Provides a program listing in True BASIC which constructs several kinds of matrices: (1) matrices with integral entries that have inverses that have integral entries; (2) matrices with integral entries that have inverses that are rational numbers with reasonable denominators; and (3) matrices with integral entries and prescribed integer…

Described are experiences for incorporating writing assignments in mathematics and computer science courses. Reports survey results from students who participated in the courses. (YP)

Outlines an articulation program between college and industry. Describes three seminar courses using the college's computer system. Considers the benefits of the program. (Author/YP)

Presents an example using a computer to illustrate concepts graphically in an introductory course on differential equations. Discusses the algorithms of the computer program displaying the solutions to an equation and the inclination field of the equation. (YP)

Domino games are used to illustrate problem-solving techniques in a college principles-of-mathematics course. Students develop tables and use Pascal's triangle to find the total number of pips and the sum of numbers on the pieces. (DC)

P-adic or g-adic sets are sets of elements formed by linear combinations of powers of p, a prime number, or g, a counting number, where the coefficients are whole numbers less than p or g. Discusses exercises illustrating basic numerical operations for p-adic and g-adic sets. Provides BASIC computer programs to verify the solutions. (MDH)

This article traces the history of zero and its dual role as a placeholder, albeit of empty space, and as a number for computational purposes. The use of one symbol for both situations is shown to be tied to the adoption, and subsequent promulgation, of our modern numbering system. (JJK)

This review features new examples of using the computer relative to college-level mathematics to enhance pedagogy, solve problems, and model real-life situations. Included is a LOGO program that can be used to create and to stimulate subsequent investigations of spirolaterals, those figures generated by repeatedly drawing basic loops. (JJK)

Describes background, focus, expectations, results, and comments concerning an undergraduate capstone course in the history of applied mathematics. Content area writing as a learning activity is recommended to promote an understanding of the history of the developments in mathematics which led to present day techniques, vocabulary, and…

Examines the effects of writing assignments on more than 250 undergraduate students' attitudes and on their classroom performance. The experimental writing group perceived both the subject matter and the course requirements more favorably, and also scored somewhat higher on average for the final examination, though not significantly higher than…

Examined are the three regular tessellations and derived semiregular tessellations whose regular polygons meet at common vertices. Included are BASIC computer program listings that explore the various combinations of regular polygons that can form regular or semiregular tessellations. (JJK)

Described are three activities designed to increase student participation in the classroom. The first uses earthquake reporting to study logarithms. The second discusses student-generated examples to introduce probability. In the third, prepared handouts and study groups are used to promote student interaction and involvement in calculus classes.…