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Category: Algebra

Multiplication Facts and the Distributive Property

Multiplication Facts and the Distributive Property

Mathematical properties are actually quite useful when it comes to making sense of math. For example, the commutative property of addition helps make adding numbers a little easier. If we know that the order the numbers are added does not matter, then in the problem 2 + 9, adding the 2 onto the 9 is easier and more efficient than adding the 9 onto the 2. The Common Core State Standards in Mathematics requires all third grade students to know…

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Common Core Mathematics Standards Focus – Commutative Property of Addition

Common Core Mathematics Standards Focus – Commutative Property of Addition

Making sense of and understanding mathematics is the foundation of the new Common Core State Standards in Mathematics.  It is not enough that kids can compute with numbers – they must understand why those computations work.  Enter Number Theory, the part of math that explores numbers and how they relate to each other.  At the heart of Number Theory are the properties of number.  One of the first ones students will encounter is the Commutative Property of Addition.  It states…

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Jeopardy in the Elementary Math Classroom

Jeopardy in the Elementary Math Classroom

Just finished a unit and want your students to review what they learned? Getting ready for the chapter test? Just want to have fun? Jeopardy is a great way to review and reinforce what students have been learning. This photo shows some of the categories I use in the primary grades. The ones at the bottom show additional categories. Pretty much anything you’ve been learning can work. The students in my classroom are already set up in groups of 4-5….

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Number Theory: Square Numbers

Number Theory: Square Numbers

Making rectangular arrays with tiles is a great visual way to have students understand multiplication as repeated addition. And since we’re making arrays anyway, why not tie in square numbers. A square number is: 1) A number that can be expressed as the product of the same two numbers. 2) The product of a number multiplied by itself. When making rectangluar arrays, square nuumbers (1, 4, 9, 16…) always make a square. Besides, there are some very neat patterns that…

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