Introduced are the basic ideas of interpolation and approximation theory through a combination of theory and exercises written for extramural education at the university level. Topics treated are spline methods, Lagrange interpolation, trigonometric approximation, Fourier series, and polynomial approximation. (MDH)

Described is an example of a piecewise defined function developed naturally as a consequence of the solution to the given problem statement, thereby allowing calculus students the uncommon opportunity to generate such an otherwise, seemingly contrived function. (JJK)

An outline of some of the essential differences, both in content and methods, between statistics and core mathematics is provided, along with subsequent discussion of the practical implications that these differences portend for a mathematics department at a liberal arts college. (JJK)

Reports on ongoing developmental research efforts to adapt the instructional design perspective of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) to learning and teaching of collegiate mathematics using differential equations as a specific case. Focuses on the RME design heuristic of guided reinvention as a means to locate the starting point for an…

The author suggests several problems which can be investigated by beginning statistics students. All the problems discussed arise from the game Bingo. (SD)

Within the context of the developments in mathematics and computer science, this paper argues that the emergence of the microcomputer gives mathematics the opportunity to survive as a viable and healthy discipline. Section I traces the development of the computer and the position of established mathematics on the sidelines of this development.…

Reported are results of a study of a sample of 259 students at the University of Massachusetts who scored low on a math placement test and later took precalculus math classes. Several possible conclusions are presented to explain the test results. A significantly higher percentage (p<.05) of a remedial sample (compared to a non-remedial sample)…

An instructional program is described involving six booklets on descriptive statistics and four computer programs on statistical tests. (MP)

A sequence of numbers from combinatorial theory called the Bell numbers is discussed, along with several problems and examples that demonstrate their usefulness. (MN)

Definitions of computer science and computer literacy are discussed, with their implications for college instruction and job skills. Mathematics as a necessary condition for success in both is noted. (MNS)

Why the term precalculus was introduced is first noted. Then five reasons why it should be eliminated are given, focusing on the points that it is vague, misleading, and misused. (MNS)

Mathematical models that are used to solve facility location problems are presented. All involve minimizing some distance function. (MNS)

Algorithms to determine the optimal locations of emergency service centers in a given city are presented, with theorems and proofs. (MNS)

A noncredit course in a workshop format is described, with sessions focusing on recognizing and defining problems; organizing information and using modeling techniques; analyzing data, recognizing trends, and making decisions; being flexible and thinking creatively; and generalizing and consolidating. (MNS)

Algebraic and transcendental curves are discussed, with attention focused on computing the area of some special regions bounded by the curves. (MNS)