The method of Least Squares is the most widely used technique for fitting a straight line to data, and it is typically discussed in several undergraduate courses. This article focuses on three developmentally different approaches for solving the Least Squares problem that are suitable for classroom exposition.

Uses the visual and programming capabilities of the graphing calculator to discern both differences and similarities between two independent collections of sample data. (MKR)

Presented is the change-point estimation which is a variation on point estimation for a two-sample problem. This variation relies on the elementary properties of the expected value and variance operators, is intuitive and is easily accessible for introductory statistics courses. Data for this exercise may be produced by a BASIC program which is…

Challenges mathematics instructors to use graphing calculator technology in courses designed for non-mathematics majors and offers three types of open-ended problems that can be integrated into a basic skills mathematics curriculum: simultaneous equations, distance problems, and proportions using real data. (MKR)