Mathematics requires thinking but also pattern recognition. Recent research indicates that perceptual learning (PL) interventions facilitate discovery of structure and recognition of patterns in mathematical domains, as assessed by tests of mathematical competence. Here we sought direct evidence that a brief perceptual learning module (PLM)…

Complex numbers are essential in many fields of engineering, but students often fail to have a natural insight of them. We present a learning object for the study of complex polynomials that graphically shows that any complex polynomials has a root and, furthermore, is useful to find the approximate roots of a complex polynomial. Moreover, we…

We describe a web-based interactive graphic that can be used as a resource in introductory classes in mathematical statistics. This interactive graphic presents 76 common univariate distributions and gives details on (a) various features of the distribution such as the functional form of the probability density function and cumulative distribution…

Integration (here visualized as a pounding process) is mathematically realized by simple transformations, successively smoothing the bounding curve into a straight line and the region-to-be-integrated into an area-equivalent rectangle. The relationship to Riemann sums, and to the trapezoid and midpoint methods of numerical integration, is…

The logarithmic transformation is often used in regression analysis for a variety of purposes such as the linearization of a nonlinear relationship between two or more variables. We have noticed that when this transformation is applied to the response variable, the computation of the point estimate of the conditional mean of the original response…

The author attempts to provide in compact form information to correct problems related to "frieze groups" and "wall paper groups" and, in addition, provide useful visual references for readers of the literature on the plane symmetry groups. (MN)

The topic of centers of similarity can be treated synthetically or analytically. While the synthetic method is more practiced, the analytic approach is more appropriate when the problem is given in an analytic geometry setting. In this article, two non-congruent squares ABCD and A'B'C'D' are given, where A(0,0), B(3,0), C(3,3), D(0,3) and A'(5,4),…

An interpretation of the transformation formulas for rotations in a plane in terms of the exponential function is given. Addition of two rotations is shown to correspond to the multiplication of the two corresponding matrices. (Author/LS)

Illustrated is how students can be directed to move from a geometric to an algebraic mode of thought and back again in linear algebra, thereby deepening their understanding. Rotations and line reflections in the plane are used as the example. (MNS)

The basic ideas of the theory of manifolds is illustrated using elementary geometry. (MM)

A procedure using calculators is described to test Ulam's conjecture that all positive integers converge to 1, if subject to certain iterated transformations. (MNS)

Presented with appropriate formulas and illustrations are five lessons suitable for college mathematics undergraduate students, including Pi and the limit of (sin alpha)/alpha, the structure of orthogonal transformations, a simple proof of Zorn's Lemma, the converse of Liouville's Theorem, and visualizing the p-adic integers. (JJK)

Develops two-dimensional descriptions of degenerate transformations using elementary matrix algebra. (RS)

Considers the reflections of the graphs of a function through an arbitrary line. Determines whether the result is a function and which functions are reflected on to themselves through a given line. (YP)