A dedicated, non-symbolic, system yielding imprecise representations of large quantities (approximate number system, or ANS) has been shown to support arithmetic calculations of addition and subtraction. In the present study, 5-7-year-old children without formal schooling in multiplication and division were given a task requiring a scalar…

The view of infinity as a metaphor, a basic premise of modern cognitive theory of embodied knowledge, suggests in particular that there may be alternative ways in which one could formalize mathematical ideas about infinity. We discuss the key ideas about infinitesimals via a proceptual analysis of the meaning of the ellipsis "..." in the real…

The meaning of International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) and the mathematics involved in the use of a check digit to catch errors in number transcription are discussed. (JM)

The modular exponentiation, y[equivalent to]x[superscript k](mod n) with x,y,k,n integers and n [greater than] 1; is the most fundamental operation in RSA and ElGamal public-key cryptographic systems. Thus the efficiency of RSA and ElGamal depends entirely on the efficiency of the modular exponentiation. The same situation arises also in elliptic…

The first of three volumes of a mathematics training course for Navy personnel, this document covers a wide range of basic mathematics. The text begins with number systems, signed numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages and continues into algebra with exponents, polynomials, and linear equations. Early chapters were designed to give insight…

Modular arithmetic is used to find the frequency of Friday 13th's in any year. (MM)

After briefly presenting possible origins for the use of the decimal system for counting and the duodecimal (base twelve) system for many measures, a notational scheme using six positive'' digits and six negative'' digits is presented. Examples and algorithms using this set of digits for operations with whole numbers, fractions, and in…

Developed by a committee of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this publication is designed to help teachers provide interesting and worthwhile learning opportunities for slow learners in grades five through eight. It employs a variety of teaching strategies, many not commonly known or practiced, which are particularly helpful with…

Describes a pattern which emerged from an examination of the digits of the squares of numbers. Provides eight examples having the pattern at the units or tens digit of the number. (YP)

The material in this booklet is designed for non-professional mathematicians who have an interest in the theory of numbers. The author presents some elementary results of number theory without involving detailed proofs. Much of the material has direct application for secondary school mathematics teachers. A brief account of the nature of number…

Discusses arithmetic during long-multiplications and long-division. Provides examples in decimal reciprocals for the numbers 1 through 20; connection with divisibility tests; repeating patterns; and a common fallacy on repeating decimals. (YP)

This volume was prepared by the School Mathematics Study Group (SMSG) to help elementary teachers develop a sufficient subject matter competence in the mathematics of the elementary school program. Background material for related SMSG materials for grades four through eight are included. Chapters in the book are: (1) What is Mathematics; (2)…

This text was written for junior high school teachers who wish to have more mathematical background on number systems. It is particularly useful for teachers who teach SMSG materials at grades 7 and 8. Chapters included are: (1) Introduction; (2) Numeration; (3) The Whole Numbers; (4) Divisibility and Properties of Whole Numbers; (5) The…