The Mathematical Theory of Multifocal Lenses

This paper presents the fundamental optical concepts of designing multifocal ophthalmic lenses and the mathematical methods associated with them.In particular,it is shown that the design methodology is heavily based on differential geometric ideas such as Willmore surfaces.A key role is played by Hamilton's eikonal functions.It is shown that these functions capture all the information on the local blur and distortion created by the lenses.Along the way,formulas for computing the eikonal functions are derived.Finally,the author lists a few intriguing mathematical problems and novel concepts in optics as future projects.     

To be or to become: how dynamic geometry changes discourse

In this article, we investigate the impact of the introduction of a dynamic geometry environment on mathematical thinking by identifying changes in discourse engendered by its introduction in a high school geometry class. Our focus is on the teacher, and we find significant differences between static and dynamic geometry in terms of the ways in which the teacher talks about geometric objects, makes use of visual artifacts and models geometric reasoning. Even though these changes have major implications for the geometry being studied, they are made only very implicitly in the classroom.     

注重数学基础课在美育中的作用

介绍了数学美的主要内容及其基本特征 ,并结合教学实践论述了数学基础课在美育中的作用     

关于正三角形和正方形吻接数的一个简单证明

设 pn是任意一个正 n边形 ,最大整数 k(pn)称为 pn的吻接数 ,其中 ,在同一平面内有 k(pn)个与 pn全等的正 n边形均与 pn有非空的交集 ,但没有重叠 ,而且 k(pn)个正 n边形两两没有重叠 . Youngs (Amer.Monthly46(1 93 9) 2 0 ) ,Klamkin(Math.Mag. 68(1 995 ) 1 2 8)先后证明了 k(p3) =1 2 ,k(p4 ) =8,作者(Discrete Math.68(1 998) 2 93 )证明了当 n >6时 k(pn) =6.然而 ,Youngs、Klamkin等人关于 k(p3) =1 2 ,k(p4 ) =8的证明非常复杂 .本文将就 k(p3) =1 2 ,k(p4 ) =8给出非常简单的证明 .     

一些数学名词的由来

介绍数学领域中一些学科概念,如代数学、几何学、微积分学、拓扑学和概率论等的产生与演变过程。     

Software Tools for Geometrical Problem Solving: Potentials and Pitfalls

Dynamic geometry software provides tools for students to construct and experiment with geometrical objects and relationships. On the basis of their experimentation, students make conjectures that can be tested with the tools available. In this paper, we explore the role of software tools in geometry problem solving and how these tools, in interaction with activities that embed the goals of teachers and students, mediate the problem solving process. Through analysis of successful student responses, we show how dynamic software tools can not only scaffold the solution process but also help students move from argumentation to logical deduction. However, by reference to the work of less successful students, we illustrate how software tools that cannot be programmed to fit the goals of the students may prevent them from expressing their (correct) mathematical ideas and thus impede their problem solution.This revised version was published online in September 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

From geometry to algebra: the Euclidean way with technology

In this paper, we present the results of an experimental classroom activity, history-based with a phylogenetic approach, to achieve algebra properties through geometry. In particular, we used Euclidean propositions, processed them by a dynamic geometry system and translate them into algebraic special products.     

An unexpected property of quadrilaterals*

These notes discuss several related propositions in geometry that can be explored in a dynamic geometry environment. The propositions involve an unexpected property of quadrilaterals.     

Theorem Justification and Acquisition in Dynamic Geometry: A Case of Proof by Contradiction

Theorem acquisition and deductive proof have always been core elements in the study and teaching of Euclidean geometry. The introduction of dynamic geometry environments,DGE (e.g., Cabri-Géomètre, Geometer's Sketchpad), into classrooms in the past decade has posed a challenge to this praxis. Student scan experiment through different dragging modalities on geometrical objects that they construct, and consequently infer properties(generalities, theorems) about the geometrical artefacts. Because of the inductive nature of the DGE, the experimental-theoretical gap that exists in the acquisition and justification of geometrical knowledge becomes an important pedagogical and epistemological concern. In this paper, we will describe and study a ‘Cabri proof by contradiction’ of a theorem on cyclic quadrilaterals given by a pair of 16 year-old students in a Hong Kong secondary school. We will discuss how their construction motivates a visual-cognitive scheme on `seeing' proof in DGE, and how this scheme could fit into the theoretical construct of cognitive unity of theorems proposed by Boero, Garuti and Mariotti(1996). The issue of a cognitive duality and its relation to visualization will be raised and discussed. Finally, we propose a possible perspective to bridge the experimental-theoretical gap in DGE by introducing the idea of a dynamic template as a visualizer to geometrical theorem justification and acquisition. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

地方高校数学建模教学模式的探索与实践

针对地方高校学生的特点和培养目标,探索了地方高校以数学建模竞赛、数学模型课、数学实验课为中心的数学建模教学模式的步骤、措施和方法;总结了地方高校数学建模竞赛活动的实践经验.     

Computer Mediated Learning: An Example of an Approach

There are several possible approaches in which dynamic computerized environments play a significant, and possibly unique, role in supporting innovative learning trajectories in mathematics in general, and particularly in geometry. These approaches are influenced by the way one views mathematics and mathematical activity.In this paper we briefly describe an approach based on a problem situation and our experiences using it with students and teachers. This leads naturally to a discussion of some of the ways in which parts of the mathematics curriculum, classroom practice, and student learning may differ from the traditional approach.This revised version was published online in September 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The Smallest Convex Cover for Triangles of Perimeter Two

We find the unique smallest convex region in the plane that contains a congruent copy of every triangle of perimeter two. It is the triangle ABC with AB=2/3, B=60°, and BC1.00285.     

On characterizations of the ordered field of real numbers

This self-contained note could find classroom use in an introductory course on analysis. It is proved that an ordered field F is complete (that is, order-isomorphic to the field of real numbers) if and only if each bounded monotonic sequence in F converges in F. Also established is the key tool that an ordered field is complete if and only if it is Archimedean and Cauchy-complete, along with a number of characterizations of Archimedean fields.     

Mathematical Models for Studying the Value of Motivational Leadership in Teams

Mathematical models are presented for studying the value of leadership in a team where the members interact with each other. The models are based on a leader’s role of motivating each team member to perform closer to his/her maximum ability. These models include controllable parameters whose values reflect the amount of task interdependence among the workers as well as the motivational skill and variability in the skill of the leader. Confirming results—such as the fact that the skill level of the leader is a critical factor in the expected performance of the team—establish credibility in the models. Mathematical analysis and computer simulations are used to provide new managerial insights into the value of the leader—such as the fact that the skill of the leader can be more important than controlling the amount of interdependence among the team members and that having a choice of multiple leaders with no particular motivating skill is beneficial to the performance of small teams but not to large teams.Daniel Solow received a B.S. in Mathematics from Carnegie-Mellon, an M.S. in Operations Research from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Ph. D. in Operations Research from Stanford University. He has been a professor at Case Western Reserve University since 1978. His research interests include complex systems, discrete, linear, and nonlinear optimization. He has also developed systematic methods for teaching mathematical proofs, computer programming, and operations research.Sandy Kristin Piderit is an assistant professor of organizational behavior at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. She studies the roles of relationships among coworkers on their performance and satisfaction with their work environments, and has published studies in the Academy of Management Review, the Journal of Management Studies, and Management Science.Apostolos Burnetas received a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from National Technical University in Athens, Greece, and an M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Operations Research from Rutgers University. He has been at the Department of Operations at Case Western Reserve University and is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Mathematics at the University of Athens. His research interests include stochastic models and optimization, complex systems, and applications in queueing systems, supply chain and the interface of operations with finance.Chartchai Leenawong received a B.S. in Mathematics from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, an M.S. in Computer Science from the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, and a Ph.D. in Operations Research from Case Western Reserve University. His research interests include mathematical modeling of complex systems as applied to business organizations. He has been a professor at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand since 2002.     

Characteristics of Second Graders' Mathematical Writing

This study compared the characteristics of second graders' mathematical writing between an intervention and comparison group. Two six‐week Project M2 units were implemented with students in the intervention group. The units position students to communicate in ways similar to mathematicians, including engaging in verbal discourse where they themselves make sense of the mathematics through discussion and debate, writing about their reasoning on an ongoing basis, and utilizing mathematical vocabulary while communicating in any medium. Students in the comparison group learned from the regular school curriculum. Students in both the intervention and comparison groups conveyed high and low levels of content knowledge as indicated in archived data from an open‐response end‐of‐the‐year assessment. A multivariate analysis of variance indicated several differences favoring the intervention group. Both the high‐ and low‐level intervention subgroups outperformed the comparison group in their ability to (a) provide reasoning, (b) attempt to use formal mathematical vocabulary, and (c) correctly use formal mathematical vocabulary in their writing. The low‐level intervention subgroup also outperformed the respective comparison subgroup in their use of (a) complete sentences and (b) linking words. There were no differences between groups in their attempt at writing and attempts at and usage of informal mathematical vocabulary.     

一类含三角形图的伴随多项式的根

We denote h(G,x) as the adjoint polynomial of graph G. In [5], Ma obtained the interpolation properties of the roots of adjoint polynomial of graphs containing triangles. By the properties, we prove the non-zero root of adjoint polynomial of Dn and Fn are single multiple.     

动态经济学数学建模及稳定化控制分析

通过考虑需求函数和供给函数受到不连续因素的影响以及引进切换型的控制策略,建立由右端不连续微分方程刻画的非线性价格调整模型.利用微分包含理论和Lyapunov稳定性方法分析不连续价格调整模型的有限时间稳定化控制问题,并给出数值模拟实例进行验证说明.最后,结合动态经济学数学建模提出数学建模教学改革的几点建议.     

Mathematical modeling of drug delivery from cylindrical implantable devices

A mechanistic mathematical model applicable to the controlled dispersed‐drug release from cylindrical device such as implantable drug delivery system was derived. Analytical solutions based on the pseudosteady state approximation are derived taken account an exact external medium volume. The model prediction is accurate when the initial drug load is higher than the drug solubility in the polymer. The results obtained are compared with the analytical solutions available in the literature. The equations are corroborated by comparison with experimental profiles reported in the literature for sink conditions and non sink conditions. The evolution of concentration distribution profiles is compared for different volume of external medium. A reduction in the volume of the external solution leads to an increase in the concentration on the surface of the device, which determines decreases in the release of drug. One criterion for determining whether the volume of external solution should be considered for the prediction of drug release from cylindrical devices is established. This criterion is based on establishing a maximum percentage error allowed in the values of amount of drug released. The usefulness of the model is focused in the design of implant for controlled release of drug into a small volume of external medium of release. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

一种将数学神秘化的倾向--评《无穷小量的命运及对数学发展动力的思考》一文

陈学云在文献[1]中给出一个结论:我们必须丢掉用数学真理性来解释数学适用性的幻想.我们认为这实际上是在宣扬一种数学神秘主义的观点;而数学主体内容的发展摧毁的是旧形而上学的先验"真理"观;具体数学理论在人类实践活动中显示出来的适用性,依赖于其具体的"真理"性.