The IntMath Newsletter - 2 Jul 2008

In this Newsletter

1. IntMath future development - survey results
2. Math tip - Solving math word problems
3. From the math blog
4. Some brain math

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1. IntMath future development - survey results

Thank you to all those who completed the survey on future IntMath developments (which I mentioned in the last IntMath Newsletter).

The survey showed there is strong interest in each of the following:

• A forum for help on homework. Also, several teachers asked for a teachers' forum.
• Video lessons on various math topics, and also on how to use computer algebra systems.
• e-Books on various math topics, including math anxiety.

There were some great suggestions that you gave in the written part of the survey and I will progressively develop the best ideas over the coming months.

Thanks again for your input!

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2. Math tip - Solving math word problems

Most students struggle when they are asked to solve word problems. There is a good reason for this — your brain is super-busy while figuring out such problems.

This tip became a bit long for this Newsletter so I made it into a separate article. Check it out here:

Math Problem Solving and Brain Activity

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3. From the math blog

1) Fractal Science Kit
Fractals are beautiful mathematical art objects. This article describes a tool for creating them.

2) Google gadgets - cool extras for your website
Google Gadgets allow you to easily add fun stuff to your Website or blog, including math games.

3) Friday Math Movie - Math Test Anxiety
This strange anime illustrates one student's nightmares about math tests. Warning - it's very strange and may be disturbing for some viewers.

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4. Some brain math

To finish, I thought I'd tell you some interesting facts about the brain.

• The human brain has 100 billion neurons, each linked to as many as 10,000 neurons
• The brain is 60% fat
• The brain can handle about one billion instructions per second
• The brain weighs 2% of total body weight, it needs 15% of the body's blood, consumes 20% of total body oxygen, and requires 25% of total body glucose (sugar)
• The brain uses up 1.5 calories per minute during crossword puzzle-solving

[Source]

Summary: You have a remarkable organ between your ears. Look after it well.

Until next time.

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