This essay argues for the importance of quantitative reasoning skills as part of a liberal education and describes the successful introduction of a mathematics-based quantitative skills course at a small Canadian university. Today's students need quantitative problem-solving skills, to function as adults, professionals, consumers, and citizens in…

The question of whether the complex numbers can be ordered was investigated. (DT)

This textbook is one of a series of publications designed to provide information needed by Navy personnel whose duties require an elementary and general knowledge of the fundamental concepts of number systems, logic circuits, and Boolean algebra. Topic 1, Number Systems, describes the radix; the positional notation; the decimal, binary, octal, and…

The author shows how changing the restriction context of "Fermat's Last Theorem" alters the statement of impossibility. (MN)

Discusses the history of different methods of representing numbers and how these representations facilitated counting and computing devices such as the abacus. (MDH)

An approach close to the original Greek geometric point of view regarding the question and proof of the irrationality of the square root of two is given. (MN)

Until recently the testing of a 100-digit number to determine whether it is prime or composite could have taken a century. However, in the past two years a method has been developed enabling a computer to determine the primality of an arbitrary number in about 40 seconds of running time. (Author/JN)

Representation of integers in various bases is explored, with a proof. (MNS)

The archaeology of mathematics is discussed by tracing a portion of the research of Otto Neugebauer and Abraham Sacks. Patterns found on an ancient cuneiform tablet are explored. (MK)

In a thesis written for the Doctor of Arts in Mathematics, the connection between Euclid's algorithm and continued fractions is developed and extended to n dimensions. Applications to computer sciences are noted. (SD)

Why a computer error occurred is considered by analyzing the binary system and decimal fractions. How the computer stores numbers is then described. Knowledge of the mathematics behind computer operation is important if one wishes to understand and have confidence in the results of computer calculations. (MNS)

The results of an evaluation of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) are discussed. Surveys were conducted with the institutional liaison officers to SCNS, as well as with faculty members and department chairs. The uniform course numbering system is designed to enhance articulation, particularly the efficient movement of students…

The origin, properties, and applications of various number systems are discussed. Among the 15 topics discussed are: tests for divisibility, the binary system, the game of Nim, computers, and infinite number representations. (MK)

Describes properties of Fibonacci numbers, including the law of recurrence and relationship with the Golden Ratio. Discussed are some applications of the numbers to sewage of towns on a river bank, resistances in electric circuits, and leafy stems in botany. Lists four references. (YP)

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