Related papers: Difficult Problems Having Easy Solutions
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a constructivist learner-centered instructional approach based on the analysis, resolution and discussion of a given problem. It can be applied to any subject, indeed it is especially useful for the teaching…
Throughout all years of study, students of physics are confronted with the question 'what exactly is light?' - a question that is impossible to answer correctly and, therefore, continuously discussed within the framework of models. Numerous…
The Locker Problem is frequently used in introducing some topics in elementary number theory like divisors and multiples. It appears in many curricula ranging from elementary, secondary and up to tertiary level. In this paper, I will…
First year calculus is often taught in a way that is very burdensome to the student. Students have to memorize a diversity of processes for essentially performing the same task. However, many calculus processes can be simplified and…
Acceleration is a fundamental concept in physics which is taught in mechanics at all levels. Here, we discuss some challenges in teaching this concept effectively when the path along which the object is moving has a curvature and…
In this note, we offer a palatable introduction to the field of arithmetic dynamics. That is, we study the patterns that arise when iterating a polynomial map. This note is accessible to those who have taken an introductory proof based…
Several thoughts are presented on the long ongoing difficulties both students and academics face related to Calculus 101. Some of these thoughts may have a more general interest.
The paper deals with systems of ordinary differential equations containing in the right-hand side controls which are discontinuous in phase variables. These controls cause the occurrence of sliding modes. If one uses one of the well-known…
In this short note, we provide an elementary complex analytic method for converting known real integrals into numerous strange and interesting looking real integrals.
The area of inverse problems in mathematics is highly interdisciplinary. In various fields of science, engineering, medicine, and industry, there arises a need to reconstruct information about unknown entities that cannot be directly…
Although physics has become increasingly computational, with computing even being considered the third pillar of physics, it is still not well integrated into physics education. Research suggests that integrating Computational Thinking (CT)…
As research-based self-paced e-learning tools become increasingly available, a critical issue educators encounter is implementing strategies to ensure that all students engage with them as intended. Here, we discuss the effectiveness of…
The symmetry properties of the dynamical matrix are well described in multiple classic textbooks. This short paper revisits the issue to demonstrate alternative form of dynamical matrix which explicitly shows its symmetry and reality in…
Modeling seeks to tame complexity during software development, by supporting design, analysis, and stakeholder communication. Paradoxically, experiences made by educators indicate that students often perceive modeling as adding complexity,…
Usually the first course in mathematics is calculus. Its a core course in the curriculum of the Business, Engineering and the Sciences. However many students face difficulties to learn calculus. These difficulties are often caused by the…
When teaching an elementary logic course to students who have a general scientific background but have never been exposed to logic, we have to face the problem that the notions of deduction rule and of derivation are completely new to them,…
When applying optimization method to a real-world problem, the possession of prior knowledge and preliminary analysis on the landscape of a global optimization problem can give us an insight into the complexity of the problem. This…
A simple mechanical problem is considered which we believe will help students to familiarize some concepts of mechanics of variable mass systems. Meanwhile they can even learn some thrilling physics of bungee jumping.
Basic problems of complex systems are outlined with an emphasis on irreducibility and dynamic many-to-many correspondences. We discuss the importance of a constructive approach to artificial reality and the significance of an internal…
At the start of the higher education curriculum, the conceptualization of local approximation objects of a function requires the articulation of knowledge and skills from Functional Analysis and Topology. In the study of functions, a number…