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In this paper, we explore how the typical second year undergraduate topic of matrix diagonalisation can be applied to solve a geometric problem which arises frequently in Vector Calculus: to find the curve of intersection of a plane and a surface. We use GeoGebra, which offers a cost-free and dynamic interface, to explore a specific variant of this problem, namely the parametrisation of the intersection of a plane and sphere. GeoGebra not only allows students to confirm their calculations, but it can also provide motivation to create connections between prior learning experiences and new knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report on an experimental activity for discussing the concepts of speed, instantaneous speed and acceleration, generally introduced in first year university courses of calculus or physics. Rather than developing the ideas of calculus and using them to explain these basic concepts for the study of motion, we led 82 first year university students through Galileo's experiments designed to investigate the motion of falling bodies, and his geometrical explanation of his results, via simple dynamic geometric applets designed with GeoGebra. Our goal was to enhance the students’ development of mathematical thinking. Through a scholarship of teaching and learning study design, we captured data from students before, during and after the activity. Findings suggest that the historical development presented to the students helped to show the growth and evolution of the ideas and made visible authentic ways of thinking mathematically. Importantly, the activity prompted students to question and rethink what they knew about speed and acceleration, and also to appreciate the novel concepts of instantaneous speed and acceleration at which Galileo arrived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1880s the research on the theory of integration was focused mainly on the properties of infinite sets. The development of nowhere dense sets with positive outer content, known nowadays as nowhere dense sets with positive measure, allowed the construction of general functions with the purpose of extending Riemann's definition of integral. Vito Volterra provided, in 1881, an example of a differentiable function whose derivative is bounded but not Riemann integrable. In this article we present and discuss Volterra's example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two main processes of calculus are integration and differentiation. These two processes are intimately related by being reciprocal to each other. This fact constitutes the fundamental theorem of calculus (FTC). In the present article, we explore this important theorem within a geometric context, based on Isaac Barrow's work from the seventeenth century. We argue that presenting and discussing the origins and development of the FTC is beneficial for first-year calculus courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexican authorities and universities are actively working to improve mathematics teaching and learning across the education system. Thus, efforts are underway to raise the historically low performance in mathematics, which include theoretically grounded pedagogy and curriculum development to raise mathematical knowledge in teacher education programmes. The purpose of this article is twofold. Firstly, I give an overview of the educational system in Mexico by outlining the evolution of the mathematics curriculum and teacher preparation programmes. Secondly, I describe and discuss, from my own practice, a lesson using dynamic tools for helping prospective teachers to understand the relationship between integration and differentiation within the context of the current literature from Mexico and abroad. While Mexico faces distinct issues within its educational system, challenges in how future mathematics teachers understand mathematical content appear universal. Thus, teaching mathematical content while modelling effective mathematical pedagogical practices is of relevance to all of us striving to enhance the quality of future mathematics teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A deeper learning of the properties and applications of the derivative for the study of functions may be achieved when teachers present lessons within a highly graphic context, linking the geometric illustrations to formal proofs. Each concept is better understood and more easily retained when it is presented and explained visually using graphs. In this article, we explore the conditions of necessity or sufficiency of the criteria for determining the maxima and minima of a function. The implications for the teaching of derivatives and functions in undergraduate courses are discussed in light of our analysis of textbooks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]