A mathematics teacher who avoided students' questions about zero, notes that children are able to interpret this concept and any system of numeration in a language that they have made up and can understand. (AM)

A student noticed an interesting fact about the base two numerals for perfect numbers. Mathematical explanations for some questions are given. (MNS)

Presents a covariation approach to learning exponential and logarithmic functions based on a primitive multiplicative operation labeled splitting that is not repeated addition. Suggests that students need the opportunity to build a number system from splitting structures and their geometric forms. (30 references) (MKR)

The teaching of negative numbers poses problems at the school level. A historical account of the intellectual difficulties in the evolution of negative numbers and a method of viewing negative numbers as an extension of the number system to help overcome these difficulties are presented. (MDH)

Presents an activity using fractal cards--eye-catching pop-up cards--by applying simple iterative processes to single sheets of paper. This activity incorporates the concepts of measurement, number systems, sequences, series, limits, recursion, iteration, self-similarity, and fractional dimensions. Contains 12 references. (ASK)

As students translate number words into the language of mathematics they explore number composition, equivalent expressions, and patterns in numbers and words. (MKR)

The NCTM curriculum states that students should be able to "compare and contrast the real number system and its various subsystems with regard to their structural characteristics." In evaluating overall conformity to the 1989 standard, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) requires that "teachers must value and encourage the use…

This booklet is designed to introduce computers to children. A letter to parents is provided, explaining that a unit on computers will be taught which will discuss the major parts of the computer and programming in the computer language BASIC. Suggestions for teachers provide information on starting, the binary system, base two worksheet, binary…

The history of Hawaiian number systems is examined, and answers to questions regarding Hawaiian number words, including their origin and factors that influenced their development, are covered. A brief guide for pronouncing Hawaiian words is also provided. (MP)

Discusses how American and Canadian Indians created mathematical connections and the first numeration systems used north of Mexico. A listing of various tribes, their locations, and how their simple or complex methods of computing may have originated from establishing a correspondence between different parts of the body and quantities they wished…

The question is raised: What comes first: rules of calculation or the meaning of concepts? The pressures on the teacher to teach and simplify knowledge to algorithms are discussed. The relation between conceptual and procedural knowledge in school mathematics and consequences for the teacher's professional knowledge are considered. (DC)

In this paper four programs are described in which children learn multidigit number concepts and operations with understanding: (1) the Supporting Ten-Structured Thinking projects, (2) the Conceptually Based Instruction project, (3) Cognitively Guided Instruction projects, and (4) the Problem Centered Mathematics Project. The diversity in these…

This course is designed to review the arithmetic skills used by many Marines in the daily pursuance of their duties. It consists of six study units: (1) number systems and operations; (2) fractions and percents; (3) introduction to algebra; (4) units of measurement (considering both the metric and United States systems); (5) geometric forms; and…

Teaching sequences designed to develop strategies for comparing numerals in grade two (in France) were analyzed. Children's strategies were noted, and an experiment confirmed underlying misconceptions concerning number. (MNS)