Exploring the Link Between Preservice Teachers' Conception of Proof and the Use of Dynamic Geometry Software

This case study investigated how secondary preservice mathematics teachers perceive the need for and the benefits of formal proof when given geometric tasks in the context of dynamic geometry software. Results indicate that preservice teachers are concerned that after using dynamic software high school students will not see the need for proofs. The participants stated that multiple examples are not equivalent to a proof but, nonetheless, questioned the value of formal proof for high school students. Finally, preservice teachers found the greatest value of geometric software to be in helping students understand key relationships within a problem or theorem. Participants also tended to study a problem more deeply with the software than without it.     

Investigations in the amplitude of sounded piano tones

The relationship between final hammer velocity and maximum amplitude of radiated piano sound was investigated. Piano tones with varying hammer velocities were produced by a computer-monitored acoustic piano containing optical sensors and solenoids, and the sounded tones were recorded and digitized for analysis. Maximum amplitudes over the duration of the sounded tones were linearly proportional to piano hammer velocities for a range of frequencies and hammer velocities. Changes in room acoustics did not alter the linear relationship. Measurements of maximum amplitudes of individual tones and combined tones (dyads) also indicated a linear relationship between the sum of the maximum amplitudes of the individual tones and the maximum amplitude of the dyads. These findings indicate that the principle of superposition holds for peak amplitudes of sounded piano tones. Findings are discussed with regard to production and perception of musical dynamics.     

Some effective methods for unconstrained optimization based on the solution of systems of ordinary differential equations

In this paper, we review briefly some methods for minimizing a functionF(x), which proceed by follwoing the solution curve of a system of ordinary differential equations. Such methods have often been thought to be unacceptably expensive; but we show, by means of extensive numerical tests, using a variety of algorithms, that the ODE approach can in fact be implemented in such a way as to be more than competitive with currently available conventional techniques.This work was supported by a SERC research studentship for the first author. Both authors are indebted to Dr. J. J. McKeown and Dr. K. D. Patel of SCICON Ltd, the collaborating establishment, for their advice and encouragement.     

Pythagorean euclidean four point properties

Characterizations of real inner product spaces among a class of metric spaces have been obtained based on homogeneity of metric pythagorean orthogonality, a metrization of the concept of pythagorean orthogonality as defined in normed linear spaces. In the present paper a considerable weakening of this hypothesis is shown to characterize real inner product spaces among complete, convex, externally convex metric spaces, generalizing a result of Kapoor and Prasad [9], and providing a connection with the many characterizations of such spaces using euclidean four point properties.     

Characterization of supercommuting matrices

For a given n-by-n matrix A, we consider the set of matrices which commute with A and all of whose principal submatrices commute with the corresponding principal submatrices of A. The properties of this set are examined, with particular attention to its dimension.     

Space tilings and local isomorphism

We prove for a large class of tilings that, given a finite tile set, if it is possible to tile Euclideann-space with isometric copies of this set, then there is a tiling with the ‘local isomorphism property’. Research supported in part by NSF Grant No. DMS-9001475.     

The thermolysis of dicarbonylcyclopentadienyliron dimer: The formation of biferrocene

The thermolysis of dicarbonylcyclopentadienyliron dimer in a sealed tube at 300°C has been reported to produce ferrocene, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, cyclopentadiene and elemental iron. We observe in addition to these products the production of biferrocene and elemental carbon. Thermolysis of carbonylcyclopentadienyliron tetramer (produced from the dimer by thermolysis in refluxing xylene) produces ferrocene, iron and carbon monoxidre; no biferrocene, carbon dioxide or elemental carbon are produced. A scheme is proposed to account for these products.     

A convenient method for regioselective C-5 halogenation of 4(3H)-oxo-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines

N-7, O-Disilylation of 4(3H)-oxo-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines provides a convenient method for activation of these compounds toward regiospecific halogenation at C-5. The sequence is conveniently carried out without isolation of the silylated derivatives and desilylation is spontaneous upon addition of water to the reaction mixture.