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Category: Algebra

Family Math Night ‘What Do You Notice?’ Poster

Family Math Night ‘What Do You Notice?’ Poster

As I was thinking about my ‘What Do You Notice?’ poster for my Nifty Numbers Family Math Night event last night, it seemed natural to tie it in with numbers. So here’s the poster I created. As with all my ‘What Do You Notice’ posters, they can be “answered” on a variety of levels. This one can go all the way to algebraic equations. And that’s what makes them so much fun. Everyone can do them! What I loved about…

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Multiplication Facts the Fun Way

Multiplication Facts the Fun Way

Here’s a super simple activity that helps students to “see” multiplication facts. It’s also a great way for them to see the connection between addition and subtraction as they “use addition to find the total number of objects arranged in rectangular arrays” (CCSSM 2.OA.C.4) and to “interpret products of whole numbers” (CCSSM 3.OA.A.1). Using inch graph paper, have students make rectangular arrays and record the rows (horizontal) and columns (vertical) as multiplication equations. This is a good time to discuss…

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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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