Mathematics Teacher


May 2011, Volume 104, Issue 9

FEATURES

Back to Treasure Island
Atara Shriki
Trying to find where pirates buried a treasure leads to a surprising answer, multiple solutions, and a discussion of problem solving.

Pirates of the Parametric
Seán P. Madden and Dean Allison
Students use graphing technology to verify that the vertices of a family of parabolic trajectories trace an ellipse.

Exposing the Mathematical Wizard: Approximating Trigonometric Functions
Sheldon P. Gordon
Draw back the curtain on button pushing and see how polynomials can approximate sinusoidal functions.
Online Extra: Related extensions of the investigations (PDF)

Proofs without Words: A Visual Application of Reasoning and Proof - FREE PREVIEW!
Carol J. Bell
Illustrating mathematical statements through the use of pictures—proofs without words—can help students develop their understanding of mathematical proof.

Departments

Reader Reflections - May 2011

Media Clips - Breaking Even Is Hard to Do // How Much Money Should You Borrow?

Mathematical Lens - Pumped Up about Mathematics
Online Extra: Additional Photo (PDF)

Calendar Problems - Calendar and Solutions to Calendar - May 2011

Activities (for students) - Becoming Mathematicians: Exploring an Unsolved Arithmetic Problem
Online Extras: Downloadable, customizable activity sheets (PDF and Word)

Connecting Research to Teaching - Making Student Thinking Public

Technology /Technology Tips - An Archimedean Walk

Delving Deeper - Deepening Understanding of Transformation through Proof

For your Information/Products/Publications - May 2011

Backpage: My Favorite Lesson - Slopes of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines: A Visual Justification

Thanks from the Editorial Panel