How to develop multiplicative magic squares is discussed. Various types of numbers are used in the examples. (MNS)

It is seen as important that mathematics teachers encourage open, imaginative investigations that give students an opportunity to probe, find patterns and relations, and derive new patterns and relations. The article focuses on multiplication tables and classes, including questions for further exploration. (MP)

The Mayan system of numeration, which used 20 as the base, is discussed. The material presented has been used to stir the curiosity of students in different systems of numeration. It has been helpful in promoting a speedier and better understanding of base 10. (MP)

A modern adaptation of the historic lattice algorithm which can be used for multiplication and division is discussed. How it works is clearly illustrated. (MNS)

An unusual way of using the long multiplication algorithm to solve problems is presented. It is conceptually harder, since it involves negative numbers but is easier to perform once mastered, since the size of the multiplication table required is smaller than the standard one. (MP)

Number sequences are useful complements to traditional drill and practice. Described is an activity in which the basic rule, add the tens digit to five times the ones digit, is used to generate a sequence of numbers. The dialogue between teacher and student discussing characteristics of emerging patterns is given. (MDH)

Presented is the ancient Egyptian algorithm for the operations of multiplication and division of integers and fractions. Theorems involving unit fractions, proved by Fibonacci, justifying and extending the Egyptian or Ahmes' methods into the Hindu-Arabic numeric representational system are given. (MDH)

Described is an activity that categorizes a two-digit number as "sneaky" if the continued process of taking the difference of the squares of its digits leads to a difference of zero. Other categorizations are determined by whether the difference process ends in a one-digit number or continues in a loop of numbers. (MDH)

Described is a game that is used to introduce the concept of multiplying integers. Serving as a physical model for the concept, "Froggie Frolic" races frogs along a number line by moves that indicate direction, magnitude, and number of jumps, thus modeling integer multiplication. A teacher's guide and worksheets are provided. (MDH)

Discusses how children's literature can be used as a context to develop problem-solving tasks. Illustrates this idea by developing tasks to teach concepts related to multiplication through the context of "The Patchwork Quilt," a children's book by Valerie Flournoy. Suggests activity extensions to determine unit sizes, draw scale models,…

Presents five activities focusing on mental computation and estimation for the K-3, 3-5, 4-6, and 6-8 grade levels that require the student, acting as a judge, to review solutions to problems and to pronounce and justify a verdict. Provides suggested materials, questions, possible extensions, answers, and worksheets for each activity. (MDH)

This handbook is intended to provide mathematics curriculum leaders and supervisors with discussion and related activities central to a presentation of algebra for teachers of students with a history of lower academic achievement and who are part of our underserved populations. The handbook: (1) deals with general algebra activities; (2) focuses…

Recent research suggests that many middle school students approach mathematical story problems with strategies that are not based on possible meanings for the operations, yielding success for one-step problems, but providing a weak background for approaching algebra story problems. This document reports the findings and the materials developed by…

The National Science Foundation funded Calculators and Mathematics Project, Los Angeles (CAMP-LA) developed curriculum materials focused solely on the use of calculators. The project was developed in three stages. The first stage studied the mathematics curriculums from different states and identified topics that are not included but should be if…

The National Science Foundation funded Calculators and Mathematics Project, Los Angeles (CAMP-LA) developed curriculum materials focused solely on the use of calculators. The project was developed in three stages. The first stage studied the mathematics curriculums from different states and identified topics that are not included but should be if…