Applied Mathematics Commons^™

Lewis Carroll: Author, Mathematician, And Christian, David L. Neuhouser

ACMS Journal 2004

Although a Christian, an author, and a mathematician, Charles Letwidge Dodgson (better known as Lewis Carroll) wrote very few works in which these three aspects of his person was present. The only examples of him merging these interests are in Sylvie and Bruno and Sylvie and Bruno Concluded. This paper will explore what motivated him to make these works and whether or not they were successful.

The Deconstruction Of Mathematics, David J. Stucki

ACMS Journal 2004

Mathematics, as an academic discipline, has stood for many years as the last bastion against a growing tide of intellectual relativism that has become all but ubiquitous. More recently, however, efforts have been made to "humanize" mathematics by advocating a social-constructivist approach to the philosophy of mathematics, both in practice and education. This paper is intended to serve as a critical response to one advocate of this approach, Reuben Hersh (What Is Mathematics, Really?, 1997), and in the process a defense of Platonism.

Solomon's Sea And The Biblical Π, Andrew Simoson

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

From I Kings 7:23, the apparent diameter and circumference of a circular ring are given as 10 and 30 cubits which suggests that the Biblical value of π is 3 rather a number closer to π. However we recount seven different somewhat whimsical explanations as to why this conclusion is overly-hasty.

Mathematics And Values: Can Philosophy Guide Projects?, Michael H. Veatch

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

The philosophy of mathematics has provided insight on questions of foundations and mathematical truth; however, it has not been very fruitful in guiding the practice of mathematics. This paper attempts to find points of contact between a Christian worldview and the choice of mathematical projects and methods. Three areas are considered: (i) dubitability in current research, (ii) the intrinsic value of contemporary mathematics to contemporary society, and (iii) the affirmation of human value in the use of mathematics. Finally, a framework for valuing mathematics is proposed as an encouragement to think more deeply about how a Christian might choose a …

An Investigation Of The Behavior Of Calculus Students Working Collaboratively In An Interactive Software Environment, Angela Hare

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Recent work in the area of cognitive research in mathematics education focuses on detailed examinations of the learning process of students and how this process is affected by current innovations in the classroom, including collaborative learning and the use of computers and interactive software. Much of this work is supported by the learning framework of constructivism, a school of thought which is based on the work and writings of Jean Piaget. Piaget, a French psychologist in the mid-twentieth century, observed the learning behavior of children and concluded that individuals construct their own knowledge by creating mental structures which explain their …

Mathematics At Chartres Cathedral, Richard Stout

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Having had several opportunities to travel to France, often with groups of students, our trips have usually included a visit to Chartres, especially to visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral that dominates the town. On a recent visit I was again struck by the beauty, majesty and awe that the cathedral inspires. The building not only does a remarkable job of telling Biblical stories and of enclosing a space conducive to worship, it directs one's eyes and one's spirits upward. This is achieved not only by the beautiful stained glass windows and the striking sculptures, but also by the overall design …

Digital Filtering And Smoothing: A Student Simulation Project, Eric Gossett

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

A bug tracking problem is used to introduce students to filtering and smoothing real-time data. A predictor-corrector filter/smoother algorithm is developed and a simulation platform is provided so that students can program and test implementations of the filter/smoother. The platform includes the ability to animate the simulation.

The tracking problem: A small computer bug is traveling around the $x-y$ plane trying to avoid detection. We can eliminate the bug if we can produce a reasonably accurate approximation to its trajectory.

We have a bug detecting device which can be pointed at the plane. It can measure the $x$ and $y$ …

The Role Of Mathematics In Culture, W. James Bradley

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

This paper examines theories of the role of mathematics in culture and seeks to understand how a Christian should view the role of mathematics.

The Mathematical Sciences And The Mediator Of Creation, W. David Laverell

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

This article stems from a conviction that while the development of a theistic view of the mathematical sciences is a laudable goal and much to be encouraged, it is incumbent upon us to explore every avenue that might lead to a distinctively Christian perspective. This leads naturally to a consideration of the unique role played by Christ in Creation, and a convenient framework is provided by seeing Christ as Mediator of Creation. We shall discuss the term itself, examine the biblical passages that seem to present the concept, consider the ways these passages have been understood by theologians, and …

Fractal Geometry And Chaos Theory: From Old Problems To New Models And Methods, Terence H. Perciante

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Fractal geometry and chaos theory are deeply rooted in significant problems in the history of mathematics and science. While mathematicians have geometrical descriptions of space with its properties, scientists have attempted to characterize the physical properties of fundamental entities present in space and time. The separate investigations frequently influenced each other and led to profound theories, answers, and models. However, at the same time new problems repeatedly arose internal to mathematics and externally in the applications to which mathematics was applied. Fractal geometry issues from these antecedents in response to features and processes in nature not easily represented by historical …

Teaching Generalization And Reduction Through An Elementary Probability Problem, Erian Wheeler

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

On Binary Quadratic Forms, Alain Togbe

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

Exploring Various Methods Of Interpolation, Mark Roberts

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

Hypothesis, Proof, And Censorship Or How Galileo Changed The Rules Of Science, Owen Gingerich

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

Hyperbolic Geometry With The Geometer's Sketchpad, Robert Frank

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

Using Java And Html For Linear Algebra Instruction, Jonathan R. Senning

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

This paper addresses some of the issues involved with using the HTML, JavaScript and Java to develop and serve a sequence of laboratory modules for use in teaching linear algebra. Attention is paid to the rationale for this approach as opposed to the more traditional approach of laboratory exercises executed using MATLAB or some similar computational tool. Several methods to display mathematics with HTML are described. Some implementation detail and a brief description of the HTML and Java based Linear Algebra Visualization Assistant (LAVA) is presented.

A Tale Of Two Transitions, David Klanderman, Sharon Robbert, Robert Wheeler

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

In this paper, we examine transitions to proof courses at two institutions. Bob Wheeler has taught the course at Northern Illinois University. Both Sharon Robbert and Dave Klanderman have taught a related course at Trinity Christian College. We analyze various features of these courses and offer suggestions for other colleges and universities.

History And Current Situation Of Russian Church, Ioann S. Goncharov, Gennadiy A. Kalyabin

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

This paper brief outlines the main periods in Russia's Orthodoxy including latest seven decades. In the Appendix a mathematical model is proposed for explaining the Divine Features such as Omniscience, Omnipotence, Predestination, and the free will of men.

A First Draft Of The History Of Acms, Robert Brabenec

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

This paper is a draft of the history of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences as told by Robert Brabenec.

Introduction (1997), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Eleventh ACMS Conference on Mathematics from a Christian Perspective

Table Of Contents (1997), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Eleventh ACMS Conference on Mathematics from a Christian Perspective

Schedule (1997), Association Of Christians In The Mathematical Sciences

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

Eleventh ACMS Conference on Mathematics from a Christian Perspective

Circles Of The Gods: Copernicus, Kepler, And The Ellipse, Owen Gingerich

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1997

No abstract provided.

Mathematics At Chartres Cathedral, Richard Stout

ACMS Journal 2004

Chartres Cathedral is highly regarded as a magnificent Gothic structure including beautiful stained glass windows and striking sculptures. Mathematics, especially geometry, played a central role in the design of this cathedral. This paper explores that mathematics and how it contributes to the overall effectiveness of the design.

Mathematics And Values: Can Philosophy Guide Projects?, Michael H. Veatch

ACMS Journal 2004

The philosophy of mathematics has provided insight on questions of foundations and mathematical truth; however, it has not been very fruitful in guiding the practice of mathematics. This paper attempts to find points of contact between a Christian worldview and the choice of mathematical projects and methods. Three areas are considered: (i) dubitability in current research, (ii) the intrinsic value of contemporary mathematics to contemporary society, and (iii) the affirmation of human value in the use of mathematics. Finally, a framework for valuing mathematics is proposed as an encouragement to think more deeply about how a Christian might choose a …

Controlling Experiment-Wise Type I Error Of Meta-Analysis In The Solomon Four-Group Design, Shlomo S. Sawilowsky

Theoretical and Behavioral Foundations of Education Faculty Publications

Abstract. Stouffer=s Z, a meta-analytic technique, was proposed by W. Braver and Braver (1988) for analyzing data collected from a Solomon Four-group Design. Sawilowsky, Kelley, Blair, and Markman (1994) showed that this technique produces inflated Type I error rates. Recommendations are made to control the false positive inflation of their procedure.

Mathematics From The Viewpoint Of Science In Context, Johan Deklerk

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1995

This is the first of a series of papers presented over several years by deKlerk exploring the notion of how mathematics might be taught from a Christian perspective. In this paper, he introduces the notion of context as the basis for such an approach. He then discusses seven contexts a teacher can employ.

Improving The Teaching Of Mathematics, David S. Moore

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1995

No one concerned about the teaching of college mathematics--and few mathematicians who are not concerned--can have missed the movement to reform teaching in the mathematical sciences at all levels. The teaching of any active branch of knowledge, like the church, is of course "reforming and ever to be reformed." Calls to modernize what we offer students are always with us. What is striking about the current reform movement is not only its momentum but the fact that it centers on pedagogy rather than on content. We ought, say the reformers, to radically alter our style of teaching. My purpose in …

Experimenting With The Calculus Laboratory Setting, Glen Van Brummelen

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1995

Reform of post-secondary mathematics education, particularly introductory calculus, is becoming commonplace across North America. Although there are many varieties of reform, most can be placed within the philosophical camp of social constructivism. According to this movement, mathematical knowledge is constructed in an interactive way through instructor-student and inter-student dialogue, rather than built in an axiomatic sense such as the "new math" of 20 years ago, or in the reductionistic, algorithmic sense dominant in secondary and introductory college mathematics. While I hold serious concerns about the relativizing of mathematical knowledge that occurs when social constructivism is adopted as a philosophy of …

What Does A Computer Program Mean? An Introduction To Denotational Semantics, Gene B. Chase

ACMS Conference Proceedings 1995

This paper is for mathematicians who are curious about how topology is being used to prove computer programs correct. Those advanced parts have been limited to Sections III, V, and VI, and they are marked by a [clock symbol]. By contrast, sections II, IV, and VII are suitable as a companion to existing textbooks in a Computer Science course such as Organization of Programming Languages, the course CS 8 as described in Curriculum [1979]. Perhaps in a first reading you might read just those sections.

Among many books and articles on the semantics, or meaning, of computer languages, …