Math 130

Fall 04

 

Goals for Chapter 3: Whole Number Operations

 

            More than any other part of the course, this chapter focuses on specialized mathematical knowledge for teaching.  For most of you, when you studied whole number operations in school, the goal was to become proficient in using algorithms to accurately compute answers.   Now, you have (hopefully) become proficient at such computation, and our goals are different.  They are listed below.

 

·        Expand your repertoire of strategies for solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems, using mental math, algorithms, manipulatives, etc.

·        Increase your proficiency at mental math and estimation.

·        Understand the major models for each operation.

·        Understand properties of each operation.

·        Make connections between the operations.

·        Become familiar with both “standard” and “alternative” algorithms for each operation, understand why they work, and evaluate them for efficiency and other factors.

·        Acquire the deep understanding of the base ten place value system necessary to support the above goals.

 

 

   Copyright 2005, Debra K. Borkovitz.  You may copy or edit this material for non-profit, educational use only.

 

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