In this note, an integrated form of some significant means with two variables is provided, and some chains for mean value inequalities are obtained. At the same time, a concise family of algebraic functions appears, which satisfy Mitrinovic's requirements.

Three techniques for determining a straight line fit to data are compared. The methods are applied to a range of datasets containing one or more outliers, and to a specific example from the field of chemistry. For the method which is the most resistant to the presence of outliers, a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, as well as two Matlab routines, are…

The equation of motion for a mass that moves under the influence of a central, inverse-square force is formulated and solved as a problem in complex variables. To find the solution, the constancy of angular momentum is first established using complex variables. Next, the complex position coordinate and complex velocity of the particle are assumed…

Since the game SET[R] was first introduced to the public in 1993, it has stimulated some interesting studies. While the game itself is rather straightforward, a plethora of decent mathematical questions lies beneath the surface. It is perhaps because the game ties in so closely with such an underlying mathematical term that its implications can be…

This paper describes the development of a procedure for investigating the ability of university students to employ their mathematical skills in a range of scientific contexts. This ability is called transfer. An instrument (consisting of a set of questions) to test transfer was designed jointly by three scientists and a mathematician and attempted…

Every year approximately 800 students enrol in the tertiary preparatory course TPP7181 at the University of Southern Queensland. Successful completion of this course will allow students to enrol in either further preparatory level mathematics courses or undergraduate study. For many of the students enrolled in this course, the study of mathematics…

This paper reports on a practitioner study of a first-year undergraduate service course that aligns a web-based, student-lecturer communication system with the mathematical curriculum. The report presents and analyses data from students' and from the lecturer and outlines the nature of the technical interface. The paper indicates how communication…

The general perception is that high school teaching of mathematics in South Africa tends to be fairly procedural and that students that enter university are better equipped to deal with procedural problems rather than conceptual. This study compares the conceptual and procedural skills of first-year calculus students in life sciences. Also…

Offering perspectives in the teaching of statistics assists students, immersed in the study of detail, to see the leading principles of the subject more clearly. Especially helpful can be a perspective on the logic of statistical inductive reasoning. Such a perspective can bring to prominence a broad principle on which both interval estimation and…

MATLAB is a sophisticated software tool for numerical analysis and visualization. The University of Queensland has adopted Matlab as its official teaching package across large first year mathematics courses. In the past, the package has met severe resistance from students who have not appreciated their computational experience. Several main…

There are many perceived benefits of using technology, such as computer algebra systems, in undergraduate mathematics courses. However, attaining these benefits sometimes proves elusive. Some of the key variables are the teaching approach and the student instrumentation of the technology. This paper considers the instrumentation of computer-based…

This article draws on a sociocultural activity theory approach to identify considerations in the development of technology mediated mathematics education for learners at the post-compulsory level. It suggests that the use of technology should be aligned with the intended goals and objectives of the learning. In particular, it is necessary to take…

This paper reports on a third study in a series aimed at investigating the issues surrounding the learning of mathematics at The University of Auckland by students who have English as an Additional Language (EAL students). As well as summarizing the earlier studies, it presents some new data showing that the problems experienced by EAL students…

We investigate the views of service students about statistics, learning statistics and using statistics in their future profession, based on information obtained from a series of interviews analysed using a phenomenographic approach. In previous studies, we have described statistics major students' conceptions of their subject and their learning.…

Papers presented at earlier Delta conferences reported on the use of collaborative tutorials and peer-tutors in undergraduate mathematics courses at The University of Auckland. This paper reports on significant developments within the Department's programmes, including the extension of the collaborative small-class tutorials to cover all…