This study explored the relationship between mathematical competency (mathematics training received in college) and mathematics computer specialists use on the job. The study was developed based upon an hypothesis that many computer occupations have formal academic requirements for admission and advancement which have an unclear relationship to…

Presented is an elaboration of a course given at Moscow University for pupils in ninth and tenth grades. The development through abstraction of the general definition of distance is discussed and a class of spaces in which the notion of distance is defined, the so-called metric spaces, is introduced. The general concept of distance is related to a…

Presented are the mathematical explanation of the algorithm for representing rational numbers in base two, paper-and-pencil methods for producing the representation, some patterns in these representations, and pseudocode for computer programs to explore these patterns. (MNS)

Described are procedures for multiplying matrices using Logo. Examples of computer programming are included. (RH)

Anticipating enrollment limitations in the University of Alabama's engineering technology programs, a research project was conducted to find a method of limiting enrollment without sacrificing program quality. Portions of the study dealing with selection of optimum entry-level mathematics and preparatory course/professional course relationship are…

Discusses the application of probabilistic ideas, especially Monte Carlo simulation, to calculus. Describes some applications using the Monte Carlo method: Riemann sums; maximizing and minimizing a function; mean value theorems; and testing conjectures. (YP)

Illustrates three examples usually delayed until sufficient terminology, concepts, and methods have been developed unless using calculators or computers. The three examples are on exponential growth, triangle construction, and end behavior of certain function. Discusses the advantages of technology-enhanced mathematics teaching. (YP)

Solves the problem of defining a smooth piecewise linear approximation to a given function. Discusses some alternative approaches to the problem. (YP)

Describes the definition and characteristics of a regular polyhedron, tessellation, and pseudopolyhedra with diagrams. Discusses the nature of simplex, hypercube, and cross-polytope in the fourth dimension and beyond. (YP)

This study examined the precollege mathematics preparation of first-year college students (n-69) with very high mathematical aptitude. Despite most students' radical acceleration (as part of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth), achievement in coursework was high. Gender differences were found in degree of acceleration and choice of…

This study compared the mathematical competencies and attitudes of elementary education majors (n=171) to a representative college population. Results indicated that elementary education majors possessed more negative attitudes toward mathematics and scored lower in 9 of 10 competency categories than the general college population. Significant…

Analyzes the traditional role of students in mathematics classes, challenging the idea that students simply listen to their instructors and learn to solve problems. Suggests that math students should also be able to communicate verbally their understanding of mathematical problems. (Contains 68 references.) (NB)

Mathematics is usually seen as a field in which there is value-free. Such a situation causes only a few studies about values teaching to be done in mathematics education. But, mathematics is a field that has various values in it, and that must be considered seriously from this perspective. Values are taught implicitly rather than explicitly in…

This report researches the use of a standard deck of playing cards in entry-level college mathematics classrooms. The study looks at published research on the use of cards, and reviews pedagogic concerns directly related to the implementation of playing cards in the classroom--including the appropriateness of manipulatives, the link to cooperative…

The nature of "A Programing Language" (APL) is viewed as unambiguous, consistent, and powerful. It is based on the notion of functions as imperative verbs, and is used by a small but growing number of mathematicians and computer programers. Three areas of mathematical activity are addressed: calculation of arithmetic expressions,…