Prime Factorization is the method of finding which set of prime numbers multiply together to make a number. In a previous post, we talked about factorization, which is a method of finding the factors of a number but not necessarily the prime factors. What is different with prime factorization is that we …
We all know that in order to be able to solve equivalent fractions problems students should understand multiplication and division well and know their multiplication and division facts. However, my experience has shown me that children are successful in understanding these concepts when they have a lot of practice with …
Fibonacci was an Italian mathematician who studied math and theories back in the 11th century. He was one of the first Europeans to write about algebra. His most important book, Liber abaci promoted the use of Hindu-Arabic numerals in Europe. Fibonacci is probably best known for his famous sequence. The …
Fostering a positive attitude towards math from a very young age prepares children for success in math. Studies have found that a positive attitude toward math boosts the brain’s memory center and improves math performance. Every child can be successful in math with good teaching, coaching, practice, encouragement, and motivation. …
The order of operations is a group of rules that tells you the right order in which to solve different parts of a math problem. It is like an agreement we all made to be sure that we read and understand a problem the same way. According to the order of operations, we need to first …
Eratosthenes and His Sieve Prime Numbers and “The Sieve of Eratosthenes” Over two thousand years ago a Greek mathematician named Eratosthenes invented an ingenious technique that helps to find all the prime numbers between one and two hundred. It is a very interesting procedure called “The Sieve of Eratosthenes”. Of …
The connection of binary number system to computers makes it a very interesting concept for students. The binary number system helps to store information of all kinds on computers. Computers use binary digits (or bits) because they can only read and store an on or off charge. So, using 0 …
In today’s post, we will talk about factorization. What it is. How it is done. How it helps us and how to help students understand it. We will dive deep into these with an example for factors of 24. Factoring is a math operation. It is the process of breaking …
The Hindu Multiplication or Lattice multiplication is an algorithm that was first founded in the 10th century in India. This method was later adopted and introduced in Europe by Leonardo Fibonacci in his Liber Abaci. The method is also called Lattice Multiplication because it requires a rectangular lattice with diagonals drawn through the cells. Each cell …
The Russian multiplication method is an interesting way of multiplying numbers by doubling and halving. Also called the Russian peasant multiplication, this algorithm allows students to multiply any two whole numbers. As I mentioned in the post about Ancient Egyptian Multiplication, teaching students alternative methods of solving problems helps them …
