## The Difference of Squares

In our Mathematical Reasoning class tonight, we discussed this problem: Can your age in years be written in terms of the difference of two square numbers? If so...

## Logarithmic notation: Mathematics vs. computer programming

One of my concerns as an educator is the way in which peccadilloes of mathematical notation can get in the way of understanding. In the case of logarithms, this...

## Minimal Eulero

Eulero is a grid-based logic puzzle. Like Sudoku, it involves Latin squares; however, while Sudoku relies on a single Latin square, Eulero consists of two overl...

## Trigonometry as the Study of Circles

I recently read John Derbyshire’s book, Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra (Plume 2007 edition). I recommend it overall, although t...

## The Prefix Dia-

A good teacher is always aware that there are things they can learn. One of the ways in which I encourage students to connect mathematics to other topics is by ...

## PEMDAS and negative numbers

By standard mathematical convention, $$-1^2=-1$$. At the same time, students are taught to refer to $$-1$$ as a negative number. A friend recently led me to rea...

## Well… is algebra necessary?

Except for the final grades, I’ve just wrapped up teaching six weeks of credit recovery for Freshman Algebra. It’s tough enough packing nine months&...