Week 1: Subtraction

Hello commenters, welcome to my math 251.2 math blog. My job this unit is to update you all on all the math concepts learned in Neil 5W. Here is an overview on this week’s concepts.

Tuesday was our first day of 251 starting of second semester. We went over the syllabus and we were introduced to our fellow peers and our professor, Christina Tondevold. Our class actives for the week included an array of subtraction problems and analyzing the different problem solving techniques used.

 A majority of us used the technique of borrowing or subtraction by regrouping in finding the answer for the first problems. Christina shared with the class that this technique, although widely taught, is one of the most challenging math techniques to teach and for elementary students to learn.

Throughout the week some of us we were introduced to using a number line in subtraction problems. Using this technique makes the idea of math visual for students, which for young students is an easier approach for them to understand. It also introduces the concept of finding the difference in subtraction and how using this method the solution can be solved by adding. This idea and technique is something I had never considered before this class.

On Thursday we continued with additional simple subtraction problems and later were assigned to complete a word problem involving a collection of beetles and lizards.

In solving the problem Christina discussed the issues of using algebraic methods to find answers. This being that as students, we learn the formulas in algebra and but never the meaning of what the parts stand for on their own. She also had us look at how using a visual method, like drawing pictures, had the same concept as an algebra problem; this too I never considered or saw the relationship before.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog and go Cougs!