Volume XX , issue 1 ( 2017 ) back
 A view on research in mathematics education in Republic of Srpska during 2010--2015 through quantitative analysis of published texts 1$-$12 Ryan Andrew Nivens and Daniel A. Romano East Tennessee State University PO Box 70684 Johnson City, TN 37614, USA

Abstract

Studies of the publishing practices in mathematics education have situated sets of journals in tiers of quality. These reports document the rankings and prestige of only a subset of the wealth of journals available for publishing in mathematics education. We posit that there is value, quality, and purpose to be found in journals that present studies that are of value on a regional level, and that the studies are extremely important to the field. This is particularly important for journals published in languages other than English, and the studies referenced above are almost entirely English-language journals. In this paper we seek to demonstrate that we as a field of researchers cannot discount the value and role of these regional and small-country journals. Using a case study of one small European country, we quantitatively present the areas of strength and weakness in the publishing practices in mathematics education journals that are unlikely to be seen beyond the region of their publication. We conclude with recommendations to publish in areas where research is lacking as well as recommendations to the community at large to recognize the value of such outlets.

Keywords: Academic journals; Publication analysis; Publishing; Researchers; Scientific journals

MSC Subject Classification: 97A30

MathEduc Subject Classification: A35

 Cramer's rule for nonsingular $m \times n$ matrices 13$-$19 Azamat Akhtyamov, Meirav Amram, Miriam Dagan and Artour Mouftahkov A.A.: Bashkir State University, Ufa, Russia & Institute of Mechanics of Ufa Branch, RAS, Ufa, Russia

Abstract

In linear algebra, Cramer's rule is an explicit formula for the solution of a system of linear equations with as many equations as unknowns, that is, for the solution of a system with a square matrix. In this paper we want to generalize this method for an $m \times n$ system of linear equations, such that $m < n$. We offer a simple and convenient formula for systems with rectangular matrices using only the minors of the augmented matrix, as well as the usual method of Cramer. We also generalize the results in order to solve a matrix equation.

Keywords: Cramer's rule; matrix; minors; linear algebra; augmented matrix

MSC Subject Classification: 97H60

MathEduc Subject Classification: H65

 An interpolation approach to $\zeta(2n)$ 20$-$25 Samuel G. Moreno and Esther M. Garc\'ıa-Caballero Departamento de Matemáticas, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain

Abstract

We present a method to find approximately the values $\zeta(2n)$ of the Riemann zeta-function.

Keywords: Riemann $\zeta$-function; interpolation

MSC Subject Classification: 97I30

MathEduc Subject Classification: I35

 A research on the creation of problems for mathematical competitions 26$-$36 Andreas Poulos Department of Mathematics, University of Patras, Greece

Abstract

This paper describes the steps that a specialist in problem posing takes in order to create problems for mathematics competitions. We focus on a specialist's techniques and strategies on problem posing and we attempt to answer the following research questions: a)~what characteristics make a mathematical problem interesting and suitable for competitions, b)~how do techniques in problem posing differ from one expert to another, and what kind or level of creativity is required of problem posing for mathematics competitions.

Keywords: mathematical problem posing; mathematics competitions; creativity

MSC Subject Classification: 97D50

MathEduc Subject Classification: D54

 Limits of sequences and functions from certain classes 37$-$45 D.M. B\u atine\c tu-Giurgiu, Anastasios Kotronis and Neculai Stanciu D.M.B-G.: Matei Basrab'', National College, Bucharest, Romania

Abstract

We present some general methods to calculate limits of functions and sequences belonging to certain classes.

Keywords: Limit of a sequence; limit of a function; problem solving

MSC Subject Classification: 97D50, 97I30

MathEduc Subject Classification: D55, I35