In elementary school math, students learn how to change a mixed fraction to an improper fraction. Here is a tip or trick that teachers may use in their instruction: The visual diagram cues the student to multiply: 5 x 1 = 5. Then the student adds: 5 + 2 = 7. This series of steps… Read More »
Merrie, a fourth grader, is confronted with the following question: If Henry ate 1/3 of 3 pizzas, how much did he eat? Merrie draws this picture to help her solve the problem: Merrie’s drawing shows 3 pizzas divided into thirds. She shades 1/3 of 1 of the pizzas. Why does Merrie think of the problem… Read More »
Me: “Is this true? 5 equals 5.” I write on a whiteboard on the table between me and several 2nd grade students: 5 = 5 2nd grade students, after a few seconds hesitation: “No, that’s not true.” Me: “Why not? 5 doesn’t equal 5?” 2nd grade students, in a rush: “You have to have 2… Read More »