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Showing posts with label Subtraction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Subtraction. Show all posts

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Multiplication

Now that we've went over Addition and Subtraction, let's talk about Multiplication!

Multiplication: Repeated Addition

Multiplication of Whole Numbers
-For any whole numbers r and s, the product of r and s is the sum with s occuring r times.
   
            r x s = s + s + s . . . + s
                        r times


One way of representing multiplication is with a rectangular array. Base 5, 10, and 100 pieces are commonly used to make rectangular arrays. Singular pieces called units are also used. The pieces can be set up according to the numbers in the problem.

©LEARNING THINGS

I remember using base pieces throughout Elementary School, except ours were green. This method really helped me learn, because it was hands on. We could actually see what we were adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing.



Number Properties
Closure Property for Multiplication: states that the product of any two whole numbers is a whole number.
-For any whole numbers a and b,
  a x b is a unique whole number

Identity Property for Multiplication: the number 1
-For any whole number b
  1 x b = b x 1 = b

- When multiplied by another number, it leaves the identity for the number unchanged.
For example,
1 x 4 = 4      1 x 50 = 50     1 x 0 = 0

Commutative Property for Multiplication: states that in any product of two numbers, the numbers may be interchanged (commuted) without affecting the product.
-For any whole numbers a and b,
  a x b = b x a

For example,
342 x 26 = 26 x 342

Associative Property of Multiplication: states that in any product of three numbers, the middle number may be associated with and multiplied by either of the two end numbers.
- For any whole numbers a,b, and c,
   a x (b x c) = (a x b) x c

Distributive Property of Multiplication: when multiplying a sume of two numbers by a third number, we can add the two numbers and then multiply the third number, or we can multiply each number of the sum by the third number and then add the two products.
- For any whole numbers a,b, and c
   a x (b + c) = a x b + a x c

-For example, to compute 35 x (10 + 2), we can compute 35 x 12, or we can add 35 x 10 to 35 x 2. This property is called the distributive property for multiplication over addition.
   35 x 12 = 35 x (10 + 2) = (35 x 10) + (35 x 2)



A times table is a very helpful tool when kids are learning multiplication facts. Teachers often use activities such as timed worksheets. Students may be given one minute to do as many multiplication problems as they can. Here the perfect squares are highlighted. Once kids become more familiar with these multiples and factors, they will  be able to do more challenging problems much more efficiently.


Table from :Vaughn Aubuchon

In Elementary School we were required to memorize our perfect squares, factors, and multiples. Although this seemed difficult at the time, it was well worth it in the future. Today I know my multiplication facts, because of this table. 






Video by: King Yakko






Sunday, February 6, 2011

Models for Subtraction Algorithms

Here we go with subtraction! When I was in Elementary School there was something about subtraction that I didn't like... Maybe this was because we became so comfortable with addition we didn't want to try something different.  In this class we have gone over several different methods to do subtraction.

Examples
The definition of subtraction says that we can compute the difference 17-5 by determining the missing addend.
Missing addend: finding the number that must be added to 5 to give 17.
Cashiers often use this approach when making change. It is simpler to pay back the change by counting up rather than down. For example, Jimmy bought a candy bar for 85 cents with a one dollar bill. The cashier then counts 90 by adding a nickel.  Then a dime reaches $1.
 = .85 + __ + __
I think kids would like to learn subtraction this way, because it's just like addition. Once or twice a week I take Madaline to preschool and it never fails, she always finds either a dime or a quarter in the back seat. She gets so excited and says, "I'm putting this in my piggy bank!" Kids love money, even if it is just a coin or two. I think learning addition and subtraction with money would keep their interest and make learning fun.
Taking away concept
Suppose that Emily has 4 blocks and gives away 2. How many blocks will she have left?
  
1.       Start with the 4 blocks and then take away 2.




Center for Theoretical and Computational Materials Science, NIST



                                        
2.       The take away concept shows that 4-2=2.



Center for Theoretical and Computational Materials Science, NIST

      The take away concept should be easy for kids to understand, especially for ones who don't like sharing! It is an easy method to explain and understand.


Comparison Concept
              
                                 
     


 Picture by Christine Pearson

Suppose that you have 1 pencil and someone else has 3 pencils. How many more pencils does the other person have than you?  Compare your collection to the other to determine the difference.  Here you can see that they have two more pencils than you.

The comparison concept is a nice visual way to see subtraction. However, it is not very useful when using large numbers.
Missing Addend Concept
Suppose that you have 6 stamps and you need to mail 10 letters. How many more stamps are needed? In this case we can count up from 6 to 10 to find the missing addend.
+


+


+







                     +                 







                     +                    = 10
 
All clip art in Discovery Education's Clip Art Gallery created by Mark A. Hicks, illustrator.

The missing addend concept is the most popular method for subtraction. When I was in Elementary School I don't remember being taught this. It makes sense on why it is so comfortable to use, because it is addition.




Video by: Harry Kindgergarten