Charles Peirce (1839-1914) was one of the most important logicians of the nineteenth century. This thesis traces the development of his algebraic logic from his early papers, with especial attention paid to the mathematical aspects. There are three main sources to consider. 1) Benjamin Peirce (1809-1880), Charles's father and also a leading American mathematician of his day, was an inspiration. His memoir Linear Associative Algebra (1870) is summarised and for the first time the algebraic structures behind its 169 algebras are analysed in depth. 2) Peirce's early papers on algebraic logic from the late 1860s were largely an attempt to expand and adapt George Boole's calculus, using a part/whole theory of classes and algebraic analogies concerning symbols, operations and equations to produce a method of deducing consequences from premises. 3) One of Peirce's main achievements was his work on the theory of relations, following in the pioneering footsteps of Augustus De Morgan. By linking the theory of relations to his post-Boolean algebraic logic, he solved many of the limitations that beset Boole's calculus. Peirce's seminal paper 'Description of a Notation for the Logic of Relatives' (1870) is analysed in detail, with a new interpretation suggested for his mysterious process of logical differentiation. Charles Peirce's later work up to the mid 1880s is then surveyed, both for its extended algebraic character and for its novel theory of quantification. The contributions of two of his students at the Johns Hopkins University, Oscar Mitchell and Christine Ladd-Franklin are traced, specifically with an analysis of their problem solving methods. The work of Peirce's successor Ernst Schröder is also reviewed, contrasting the differences and similarities between their logics. During the 1890s and later, Charles Peirce turned to a diagrammatic representation and extension of his algebraic logic. The basic concepts of this topological twist are introduced. Although Peirce's work in logic has been studied by previous scholars, this thesis stresses to a new extent the mathematical aspects of his logic - in particular the algebraic background and methods, not only of Peirce but also of several of his contemporaries.

This study used Polya’s problem-solving model to map the level of development of the algebraic problem solving skills of Grade 12 learners from the Oshana Region in Northern Namibia. Deficiencies in problem solving skills among students in Namibian tertiary institutions have highlighted a possible knowledge gap between the Grade 12 and tertiary mathematics curricula (Fatokun, Hugo & Ajibola, 2009; Miranda, 2010). It is against this background that this study investigated the problem solving skills of Grade 12 learners in an attempt to understand the difficulties encountered by the Grade 12 learners in the problem solving process. Although there has been a great deal of effort made to improve student problem solving throughout the educational system, there is no standard way of evaluating written problem solving that is valid, reliable and easy to use (Docktor & Heller, 2009). The study designed and employed a computer aided algebraic problem solving assessment (CAAPSA) tool to map the algebraic problem solving skills of a sample of 210 Grade 12 learners during the 2010 academic year. The assessment framework of the learners’ problem solving skills was based on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), Schoenfeld’s (1992) theory of metacognition and Polya’s (1957) problem solving model. The study followed a mixed methods triangulation design, in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed simultaneously. The data collection instruments involved a knowledge base diagnostic test, an algebraic problem solving achievement test, an item analysis matrix for evaluating alignment of examination content to curriculum assessment objectives, a purposively selected sample of learners’ solution snippets, learner questionnaire and task-based learner interviews. The study found that 83.8% of the learners were at or below TIMSS level 2 (low) of algebraic problem solving skills. There was a moderate correlation between the achievement in the knowledge base and algebraic problem solving test (Pearson r = 0.5). There was however a high correlation between the learners’ achievement in the algebraic problem solving test and achievement in the final Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) examination of 2010 (Pearson r = 0.7). Most learners encountered difficulties in Polya’s first step, which focuses on the reading and understanding of the problem. The algebraic strategy was the most successfully employed solution strategy. / Mathematics Education / M. Sc. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (Mathematics Education))

This study used Polya’s problem-solving model to map the level of development of the algebraic problem solving skills of Grade 12 learners from the Oshana Region in Northern Namibia. Deficiencies in problem solving skills among students in Namibian tertiary institutions have highlighted a possible knowledge gap between the Grade 12 and tertiary mathematics curricula (Fatokun, Hugo & Ajibola, 2009; Miranda, 2010). It is against this background that this study investigated the problem solving skills of Grade 12 learners in an attempt to understand the difficulties encountered by the Grade 12 learners in the problem solving process. Although there has been a great deal of effort made to improve student problem solving throughout the educational system, there is no standard way of evaluating written problem solving that is valid, reliable and easy to use (Docktor & Heller, 2009). The study designed and employed a computer aided algebraic problem solving assessment (CAAPSA) tool to map the algebraic problem solving skills of a sample of 210 Grade 12 learners during the 2010 academic year. The assessment framework of the learners’ problem solving skills was based on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), Schoenfeld’s (1992) theory of metacognition and Polya’s (1957) problem solving model. The study followed a mixed methods triangulation design, in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed simultaneously. The data collection instruments involved a knowledge base diagnostic test, an algebraic problem solving achievement test, an item analysis matrix for evaluating alignment of examination content to curriculum assessment objectives, a purposively selected sample of learners’ solution snippets, learner questionnaire and task-based learner interviews. The study found that 83.8% of the learners were at or below TIMSS level 2 (low) of algebraic problem solving skills. There was a moderate correlation between the achievement in the knowledge base and algebraic problem solving test (Pearson r = 0.5). There was however a high correlation between the learners’ achievement in the algebraic problem solving test and achievement in the final Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) examination of 2010 (Pearson r = 0.7). Most learners encountered difficulties in Polya’s first step, which focuses on the reading and understanding of the problem. The algebraic strategy was the most successfully employed solution strategy. / Mathematics Education / M. Sc. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (Mathematics Education))

In this thesis we study methods for solving systems of linear algebraic equati- ons with multiple right hand sides. Specifically we focus on block Krylov subspace methods and global Krylov subspace methods, which can be derived by various approaches to generalization of methods GMRES and LSQR for solving systems of linear equations with single right hand side. We describe the difference in construction of orthonormal basis in block methods and F-orthonormal basis in global methods, in detail. Finally, we provide numerical experiments for the deri- ved algorithms in MATLAB enviroment. On carefully selected test problems we compare convergence properties of the methods. 1

Submitted by Jean Medeiros (jeanletras@uepb.edu.br) on 2017-02-14T12:18:10Z No. of bitstreams: 1 PDF - Joseane Mirtis de Queiroz Pinheiro.pdf: 1869239 bytes, checksum: f9ccd4d1ae52b6cbe4266b9b38f6e09b (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Secta BC (secta.csu.bc@uepb.edu.br) on 2017-03-07T16:45:31Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 PDF - Joseane Mirtis de Queiroz Pinheiro.pdf: 1869239 bytes, checksum: f9ccd4d1ae52b6cbe4266b9b38f6e09b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-07T16:45:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PDF - Joseane Mirtis de Queiroz Pinheiro.pdf: 1869239 bytes, checksum: f9ccd4d1ae52b6cbe4266b9b38f6e09b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-14 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The aim of the present research was to investigate how questions can promote the development of strategies to solve an algebraic problem in the 3rd Grade of High School. It was carried out with students of the 3rd Grade of High School of a Public School from the State Educational System of the city Afogados da Ingazeira - PE, from June/2015 to December/2016. The Methodology uses qualitative research. These are case studies, two case studies were carried out, whose participating students were indicated by the teacher. It was used as data collection instruments the application of semi-structured interviews to the teacher in charge of the class and to the students who were part of the case studies, and the execution of a problem solving task with the students. The results suggest that the teacher in charge values the Problem Solving Methodology and uses exercises, although she thinks that she is using problems. Therefore, the question in her classes seems to be reduced to the IRE standard. Beatriz understands that solving problems is different from doing exercises. For Beatriz, the act of asking functions basically to clear up doubts and remind about previously studied subjects. Actual questions and examination questions allowed us to obtain information and a survey of previous knowledge from the student. The didactic questions, on the other hand, explored her way of thinking about Mathematics, interpretation, search for solutions, reflections and conjectures, besides favoring the written calculations. Beatriz developed basically two solving strategies for the algebraic problem. In the first one she used arithmetic, specifically the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In the second she used the System of Linear First Degree Equations. The questions helped her to make decisions and to proceed with the development of the System satisfactorily. For Julia, a problem is a question that brings a challenge that needs to be understood and then solved. Her conception about a question is that it is important to remember subjects previously studied, to clarify and to complete something that you already know or even about content when you do not understand something. The actual questions, the exam questions and the didactic questions made her expose her previous knowledge and provide information about them to the researcher teacher, what helped her in other actions regarding the problem. With the didactic questions, Julia reflected more about what is in the problem, like the information and the graphical representation, which helped her in the reflections to search for solutions. She developed basically two strategies to solve the algebraic problem. In the first one, she used the arithmetic fundamental operations, specifically addition, subtraction and division, without presenting any difficulty. In the second one, she used the Algebra and she elaborated three equations with the weights using the algorithm of Systems of Linear First Degree Equations, without presenting any difficulty. The algebraic language and its representation do not seem to have been a problem for her. The questions made her broaden her algebraic thinking, considering the way how she demonstrates the organization of the problem. / A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar como as perguntas podem promover o desenvolvimento de estratégias de resolução de problema algébrico no 3º Ano do Ensino Médio. Foi realizada com alunos do 3º Ano do Ensino Médio de uma Escola pública da Rede Estadual de ensino da cidade de Afogados da Ingazeira – PE, no período de junho/2015 a dezembro/2016. A Metodologia utiliza uma pesquisa qualitativa. Trata-se de estudos de caso, foram realizados dois estudos de caso, cujas alunas participantes foram indicadas pela professora. Utilizamos como instrumentos de coleta de dados entrevistas (semiestruturadas) com as alunas constituintes dos estudos de caso e a realização de uma tarefa de resolução de problema com as alunas. Os resultados sugerem que Beatriz entende que a ação de resolver problemas é diferente de fazer exercícios. Para Beatriz o ato de perguntar serve, basicamente, para tirar dúvidas e relembrar assuntos passados. Perguntas do tipo real e de exame nos permitiram obter da aluna uma informação ou um levantamento de conhecimentos prévios. Já as perguntas didáticas, exploraram seu modo de pensar sobre a Matemática, interpretação, a busca por soluções, reflexões e conjecturas, além de favorecer os cálculos escritos. Beatriz desenvolveu basicamente duas estratégias de resolução para o problema algébrico. Na primeira se utilizou da Aritmética, especificamente das operações de adição, subtração, multiplicação e divisão. Na segunda, utilizou-se do Sistema de Equações Lineares do 1º Grau. As perguntas lhe ajudaram a tomar decisões e proceder com o desenvolvimento do Sistema de modo satisfatório. Para Júlia o problema é uma questão que traz um desafio que precisa ser entendido para depois poder resolver. Sua concepção sobre a pergunta é que esta é importante para relembrar assuntos passados, tirar dúvidas ou esclarecer e completar algo que já sabe ou mesmo sobre o conteúdo, quando não entende algo. As perguntas real, de exame e as didáticas fizeram-na expor seus conhecimentos prévios e fornecer informações destes à professora pesquisadora a ajudando em outras ações, diante do problema. Com as perguntas didáticas Júlia refletiu mais sobre o que está posto no problema, como as informações e a representação gráfica, que lhe ajudaram nas reflexões em busca de soluções. Ela desenvolveu basicamente duas estratégias de resolução do problema algébrico. Na primeira utilizou as operações fundamentais da Aritmética especificamente à adição, subtração, divisão sem nenhuma dificuldade. Na segunda, ela utilizou a Álgebra, elaborando três equações com os pesos, utilizando o algoritmo de Sistemas de Equações Lineares do 1º grau, sem dificuldade. A linguagem algébrica e sua representação não parecem ter sido problema para ela. As perguntas fizeram-na ampliar seu raciocínio algébrico, considerando o modo como demonstra a organização do problema.