In this article, the author considers a student exercise that involves determining the exact and numerical solutions of a particular differential equation. He shows how a typical student solution is at variance with a numerical solution, suggesting that the numerical solution is incorrect. However, further investigation shows that this numerical…

The method of least squares enables the determination of an estimate of the slope and intercept of a straight line relationship between two quantities or variables X and Y. Although a theoretical relationship may exist between X and Y of the form Y = mX + c, in practice experimental or measurement errors will occur, and the observed or measured…

In this paper, the author gives a further simple generalization of a power series evaluation of an integral using Taylor series to derive the result. The author encourages readers to consider numerical methods to evaluate the integrals and sums. Such methods are suitable for use in courses in advanced calculus and numerical analysis.

This article shows how Pythagorean triples can be generated naturally from a class of infinite series whose sums are zero, making surprising and interesting connections between different areas mathematics. This material can be suitable for use by teachers and students at various levels, but the simplest forms of the ideas may be best understood at…

Determines the theoretical probability that a regular polygon will cross a crack when dropped onto floorboards. By following two special cases, a pattern emerges that enables students to consider the general case. (ASK)

Provides a BASIC program to compute the number of shuffles required for packs containing even numbers of cards up to 100. Lists 4 further questions on the shuffling program. (YP)