Abstract Focusing on public school age children, this paper argues that basic numeracy must be first taught before calculators are used in these schools. Subsequently, the introduction of calculators is essential for practical reasons of productivity and also, surprisingly, because they facilitate abstract conceptualization of mathematics.
Abstract This essay analyzes the inspiration and creation of the calculator. It also discusses the positives and negatives of calculator use, emphasizing its use in classrooms. It also discusses how this invention has impacted society.
From the Paper "Blaise Pascal received credit for inventing the first digital calculator in 1642. After Pascal observed the tedious processes his father underwent in order to complete his taxes, he was determined to invent a helpful tool. Pascal invented the Pascaline, which was a numerical wheel calculator that consisted of eight movable dials that added up to eight figured long sums and used base ten. When the first dial (one's column) moved ten notches ? the second dial moved one notch to represent the ten's column reading of 10 ? and when the ten dial moved ten notches the third dial (hundred's column) moved one notch to represent one hundred, and so on. As technology progressed so did the calculating devices. The first electronic desktop calculator was invented in 1961 and the first handheld calculator was introduced to the world April of 1970. Ever since its creation, the calculator has significantly perpetuated our dependence on technology as well as alter our everyday lives on unimaginable levels."
Abstract This paper examines the statement that gross domestic product (GDP) provides neither an accurate nor an in-depth understanding of a nation's economic status and its population's living standards. It discusses Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Equatorial Guinea compared to the US, UK and France as cases in point that calculating development in terms of per capita GDP leads to a distorted view of the developmental status of nations and their populations.
From the Paper "Even though GDP and GDP per capita fail to provide an accurate picture of a country's economic and developmental status and most certainly do not reflect the standards of living enjoyed by populations in question, the measurement has its uses. It may not accurately calculate standards of living and economic well-being but it is an indicator of the size of an economy (Ezcurra, 2007). Through the calculation of the monetary value of the goods and services which are produced within the economy and the financial exchanges which occur therein, the measure quite accurately conveys the size of the economy and by calculating the said size in relation to per capita income, it functions as an indicator of whether or not the economy has the capacity to sustain and maintain its population or not (Ezcurra, 2007). Therefore, even while conceding to its limitations and shortcomings, it is important to clarify that the measure has value and significance."
Abstract This paper explains that any tool, such as a graphing calculator, which can help students gain an improved mastery of the fundamental skills required to complete algebraic problems, must be viewed as educators as a "Good Thing"; but a consistent theme is the need to keep the material relevant in order to maintain student interest. The author points out that, although students should have the experience of entering the program commands themselves, an alternative approach is for the teacher to write the relevant on one calculator and then distribute it to students' calculators by using their linking capabilities. The paper relates that teachers can adapt the material for use with Texas Instruments (TI), Casio, Hewlett-Packard and Sharp graphing calculators.
From the Paper "The use of graphing calculators in a comprehensive algebra curriculum has been advocated by a number of educators. For example, some currently teach their students how to solve and graph linear equations manually, give them a test on it that is worth 50 points where no calculators are allowed during the test, classwork, or homework. Afterwards, they teach students how to solve the same or similar problems using a calculator. Then they give them another test of the same topic as during which problems are to be solved only by using calculators. During chapter tests and exams, students have the freedom to choose whether to use a calculator or not. "
Abstract The paper notes that there are many skills that help a person in their career but are not commonly taught in many of today's schools. The paper focuses on the skill of using a 10-key calculator by touch. Every computer keyboard has a 10-key calculator attached that is used on a daily basis. The paper relates that this is an important skill for anyone in business to have. The paper points out that you will not save the world or save a life if you learn how to use a calculator without looking at it. However, mastering this skill can make your business and personal life easier. The paper highlights how mastering incompetence gives a feeling of achievement and pride and so does learning a new skill, no matter how small.
From the Paper "Think about the last time you balanced your checkbook, averaged your expenses for the month, or figured out a players ERA average. You used a calculator. Chances are you use a calculator all the time at home, and at the office, too. If you know how to use that calculator more quickly and efficiently, with fewer inputting errors, it could save time and give more accurate results. Learning 10-key by touch skills can give that time and save costly data entry errors. Some schools do offer 10-key courses for accounting students, and others offer them as part of basic computing classes."
Abstract This paper considers the calculation in Poe's art, both in his poetry and in his fiction. The paper examines the calculation in terms of rationalism being imposed on Romantic literature and looks at how Poe takes the Gothic genre, which is characterized by feeling, and aspires towards a calculated effect instead. The paper relates that by doing this, Poe reinvents the genre and makes it much more powerful. The poem "The Raven", and the short stories "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "The Tell-Tale Heart", are examined in order to illustrate the paper's point.
From the Paper "He made the greatest impact on literature, both in America and abroad, through his short stories. If the novel was the key invention of the 18th century, then the key literary invention of the 19th century was the short story, and it was Poe who finally perfected the medium. According to Poe's definition, the short story is a piece of fiction entirely calculated for the effect on the reader at the denouement. Before this point nobody had written short fiction under such strict measures, and in the process of composing his short stories Poe was laying down the outlines for the genre that were to become the norm. The principal guideline that Poe stressed was the "unity of effect or impression" (Essays, 571). The Fall of the House of Usher is a perfect example. Poe was impatient with the use of metaphor in literature, but he cannot avoid it, because the fall which the story describes is a metaphorical fall of the Usher dynasty. "
Abstract This paper examines a method for estimating targeted capital structure using data extracted from a firm's financial statements. The weighted cost of capital (WACC) with its components: debt, common and preferred stock are calculated. The cost of retained earnings is calculated and explained. Issues regarding the computation of net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) are explored in relation to capital budget questions. Additional issues management should evaluate when considering capital expenditures are discussed.
From the Paper "For most firms the "average cost of capital" is the combined cost of capital raised from the sources that the firm uses (Brigham & Ehrhardt, 2002a, p. 421). Each capital component will have its own minimum rate of return, expected by the investors, who provide that form of capital (p. 421). This combined capital cost is termed the "weighted average cost of capital" or WACC (p. 421). Typically capital is obtained from the components of debt (preferred and common) and stock (p. 420)."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the economic value of human life. The writer takes the reader on an exploratory journey through several methods used to calculate that value as well as other theories about calculating that value.
From the Paper "Worldwide it has been said that people are becoming more materialistic than ever before. It seems that everything now has a tangible value that can be computed in dollars and cents. Insurance companies want a dollar value placed on the most sentimental items one owns, while things once belonging to celebrities command a high fee at auctions and promotions. In addition to individual items being assessed individual values, abstract ideas are also assigned values through dollars. Consultants, writers, and others are paid for their ideas and their intellectual property in the same way that someone purchases a new couch for the living room. Throughout history people have placed value on tangible and intangible items but the one thing remaining just out of accountable reach is the economic value marker of human life. For many years experts and lay people have debated the worth of human life with little success. While the efforts will continue in the future, it will be difficult to answer the question. Human life has so many subjective variables that placing a dollar worth on human life always remains just out of reach. Before one can place a tangible value on human life one must be able to identify the variables to be measured for comparison and value placement. The inability to agree with what elements should be included places a burden on the effort to choose an economic value on human life."
Abstract This paper looks at hydrates, and how to calculate their water content. It calculates the water content for copper sulfate hydrate and magnesium chloride hydrate.
From the Paper " A hydrate is a type of salt containing water within its crystal structure. In this experiment the mass percent of water in a hydrate was determined by heating a sample of the hydrate to remove the water and then comparing the mass of the sample before and after heating. From this the empirical formula of the hydrated salt was determined. This was carried out for copper sulfate hydrate CuSO XH O and for magnesium chloride hydrate MgCl XH O. A crucible was weighed to the..."
This paper explores and examines the uses of energy resources. It provides scientific calculations and compares nuclear energy as an alternative source of energy. This paper also has a few excerpts on new technologies and Fission/Fusion technology.
Abstract The paper addresses the question of whether the world's energy resources are becoming scarce with the impending increase of the human population. This paper analyzes the current energy resource uses, provides calculations of energy output and compares them with each other. A background of the various energy resources is given as well as an introduction to Nuclear Energy. Fission/Fusion technology is also brought up throughout the paper. An explanation of the Fission/Fusion theory is provided on how this renewable resource works.
From the Paper "With man's leap into technological advances, one would think that the boundaries are endless. The human race has allowed to progress for over hundreds of thousands of years. Especially in the late centuries of history, mankind has excelled immensely in achieving technological success. From the discovery of electricity, to the creation of the internal combustion engine, modern society has come to a time where ceaseless change exists in everyone's lifetime. Everyday man takes another step into the ladder of intellectual evolution. These advances still cannot guarantee happiness among society. For all of these things are dependent on one thing, energy. Energy is needed to maintain life in all things, from the plants of the Amazon forest, to the fuel burning inside of a Toyota Camry. Without it, all living things would cease to exist, including the humans who created this ever growing technology. One might speculate that with the extreme rate at which the population is increasing, all the resources on earth would become scarce. But an energy crisis is hardly anything for a person to worry about, for humanity has taken a step into the discovery of nuclear power."
Abstract This paper looks at the early Chinese achievements in the field of mathematics, including the decimal system, calculation of pi, the use of counting aids and the application of mathematical principles to everyday life. It also examines the influence of Indian and later, European mathematical knowledge into Chinese mathematics.
Early China
Indian Influence
Tenth Century to Ming Period
Influence
From the Paper "Suan chu was thus developed, which covered a wide array of practical and spiritual concerns. Subjects as diverse as religion and astronomy were tapped to devise ways to control the floods (Martzloff 21-22). The science of mathematics was an integral aspect to the of suan chu, particularly in the construction of dams strong enough to shore up the river banks and in the development of the Chinese calendar to record and predict the monsoon season."
This paper discusses the Human Development Index (HDI), which was first calculated in 1990 by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as an indicator of human development in both industrial and lesser developed nations.
Abstract This paper explains that the Human Development Index (HDI) presumes that in a hypothetical ideal situation everyone would have the opportunity to make choices about the essential issues in their lives. The author points out that HDI is a helpful calculation method because it uses specific indicators of a nation's various developmental factors to create a more generalized index, thus simplifying a very complex reality. The paper relates finding of the application of the HDI such as investment in human capabilities is a never-ending process and it is not obvious that the payoff, in monetary terms at least, is greater when levels of development are low. Chart.
From the Paper "This ideal state is assigned a value of one and the various countries' levels are calculated accordingly on a zero to one scale. This emphasis on empowerment is important to this thesis since it addresses the question of independence versus dependence. For example, in an ideal case everyone in the world would have the opportunity to use the Internet, because they would have the adequate educational background, pleasant environment without major factors threatening their lives and living conditions, and the economic resources to take advantage of network services. HDI indicates the distance countries have to travel to reach such equal and independent possibilities in reality."
Tags: presumption, women, factors, methodology, gdp
Abstract This paper examines Amitai Etzioni's concept of power, defined as "an actor's ability to induce or influence another actor to carry out his directives or any other norms he supports" that exist within organizations and are designed to ensure that people in the organizations comply with organization needs. The author points out Etzioni's three power types: Coercive systems, which occur when non-compliance with organizational objectives result in restraint and force; calculative (remunerative) systems, which provide material and non-material rewards for complying with the organization and normative systems, also called manipulative, persuasive or suggestive power, which are based upon shared values. The paper contends that organizations, which are the most effective in creating successful organizational changes, tend to rely on the normative system of power, and to create a cooperative effort to service the organization's purpose and its values.
From the Paper "Microsoft demonstrates a strong and effective use of normative power within the organization. Writes Thielen (2000), "All Microsoft employees know in their gut what their primary goal is. And that is to win 100 percent of whatever market they are going after" (p. 10). Within Microsoft, both social and pure normative power is used to control employee behavior. The use of normative power in Microsoft is largely successful in creating cooperation within the company. Writes Thielen (2000), Microsoft managers know that "only by helping other groups as needed can the company achieve total domination.""
Tags: coercive, calculative, normative, government, microsoft
Abstract This paper analyzes the monetary value of life from an economic perspective. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the literature examining various methodologies used to calculate the dollar value of human life. The results of the paper suggest that it is impossible to define an exact statistical value for human life, however estimates can be made contingent on an individual's lifetime earning potential or the value one places on adding years to their life and improving their perceived quality of life.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Overview Monetary Value of Human Life
Utility Models Human Life
Summary of Literature
Conclusions
From the Paper "Most economists according to Morin (2006) measure the value of life using an economic model defined as "willingness to pay measures" suggesting that one may calculate the value of life based on how much a person may have earned during an extended life period. This theory may apply when seeking damages in wrongful death cases, when family members may calculate how much a person may have earned had they lived their life to a finite period of time. This model however, does not consider the value for individuals that are not earning a defined income, suggesting that those individuals have no economic value. Many suggest it is important to also consider what an individual might pay to avoid death compared with how much they would pay to compensate for wrongful death (Morin, 2006). "
Abstract This paper addresses the concept and determinants of present value and the discount factors that affect businesses. The paper presents a two-part case study. Part I addresses a series of discount rate calculation issues. Part II then discusses the writer's analysis of two companies to determine which company would have the lowest discount rates based upon several determinants outlined in the study material.
Table of Contents:
Part I
Part II
From the Paper "Sirius has a massive cost structure - 2006 cash operating expenses (not including depreciation and non-cash compensation) were $414 million. The management's effectiveness was terrible with a negative 20 percent return on assets. The company's Q4 and full year 2006 financial results are mind-blowing. The year-over-year quarterly revenue growths were 141 percent however the net income was a negative $1.1B. Over the past 12 months, the stock price for Sirius Satellite Inc. had a significant change of minus 35 percent. Thus the volatility of the stock is large with a negative change over the past 52 months. Although Sirius Satellite Inc works in a more dynamic industry where the risks are higher, the growth expectations are expected to be higher next year. With Mercedes expediting installation of radios in a high percentage of their cars and the projected merger with XM Radio Inc., the future for Sirius looks better. One of the major risks of management effectiveness has been haunting Sirius for many years. This risk needs serious attention and mitigation steps are required to heal this wound."
