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An Age Proportion Problem: Multiple Methods

(A new question of the week) Some problems can be done either by algebra or by basic arithmetic methods and some creativity; and although algebra generally makes work easier by making it routine, sometimes special-purpose thinking (once you have thought it!) can be quicker. Here we have a problem where a creative method didn’t quite …

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Fine Points on Polygons and Polyhedra

Last time, looking at degenerate polygons, I mentioned some other issues pertaining to the definition of a polygon. Let’s take the opportunity to look at them. This post supplements what was said previously in What is a Polyhedron … Really?

A Hole in a Cube

(A new question of the week) Here is an interesting little question about how drilling a hole affects volume and surface area. We’ll have one answer, and several explanations.

Two Sinusoidal Models

(A new question of the week) Two recent questions involved using trigonometric functions to model real-life (or nearly so) situations, one about breathing, the other about a Ferris wheel. Both can be done by writing a sinusoidal function; the second can be done in other interesting ways as well.