Developed by the major committees of the Minnesota Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (MinnMATYC) and approved by its Executive Board, these four position statements are intended to guide discussion and influence decisions affecting mathematics in Minnesota's two-year colleges. The first position statement suggests that the prerequisite…

Four algebra problems and their solutions are presented to illustrate the use of a mathematical theorem. (CW)

Discussed are the philosophy and procedures behind the introduction of algebra to students in grade 7 in Australia. Included are the importance of concrete experiences, language development, and the consequences involved in this procedure. (CW)

College algebra is currently being taught using graphing calculators such as the TI-81. This document presents exploratory and problem solving activities that have resulted from classroom experiences with the TI-81. The activities have been designed to enhance the learning of some standard college algebra topics through the easy access to…

This study examined the benefits to teachers who used impromptu writing prompts in first- and second-year algebra classes. Interpretive research methodology was used to collect and analyze data. Concluded that teachers' assessment of students' understanding was enhanced by reading their students' responses to impromptu writing prompts, thus…

This paper illustrates a different conception of arithmetic, an arithmetic with reasons as well as rules. This arithmetic includes making connections between different representations and making sense of rules as well as using them. It provides a foundation for "Algebra the Web of Knowledge and Skill" in the sense that algebra can be…

Explores applications of the Fibonacci series in the areas of probability, geometry, measurement, architecture, matrix algebra, and nature. (MDH)

Demonstrates the mathematical nature of a pollution problem in a marine environment. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (11 references) (MKR)

This paper presents a sequence of computer-based activities aimed at achieving an intuitive understanding of the ideas and concepts underlying the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. Deductive proofs to support students' empirical investigations are also discussed. (LZ)

The purpose of this article is to highlight and discuss the role of language as the link between experiences with number patterns and the emergence of algebraic notation. Discussed is a recommended approach. A sample of a written student response is provided. (CW)

This paper compares a number of different Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) in their solution of one-step and multi-step problems. The CAS programs considered include DERIVE, Maple, Mathematica, and MuPAD while the problems are taken from the final examinations of grades 9 and 12 in Estonian schools. The different outputs to one-step problems with…

This paper considers how the algebra curriculum in secondary mathematics might be reformulated by rethinking both the content of algebra and the approaches to teaching and learning algebraic concepts. It considers how the concept of function can be made a central theme of the algebra curriculum and further suggests that computer software, when…

This digest provides research on curriculum and assessment in the age of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS). The digest presents research on assessment with CAS technology, teacher accounts of assessment with CAS technology and curriculum issues. (Contains 18 references.) (MM)

Illustrates, categorizes, and analyzes typical mathematical errors in algebra and trigonometry made by high school and lower division college students. (16 references) (Author/MKR)

The benefits of high-level mathematics packages such as Matlab include both a computer algebra system and the ability to provide students with concrete visual examples. This paper discusses how both capabilities of Matlab were used in a multivariate calculus class. Graphical user interfaces which display three-dimensional surfaces, contour plots,…