Reviews the historical development of subtraction algorithms used in the United States. Indicates that the algorithms used to teach subtraction have not changed much in the last 40 years, but in the late 1800s and early 1900s, different algorithms were developed that had a great impact. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Reviews research using diagrams, number sentences, and algorithms to help students learn to add and subtract; poses questions on the relationship of instruction to children's knowledge construction; and proposes a research agenda in this area. (86 references) (MKR)

Research conducted in several countries has shown consistent patterns of performance on "change,""combine," and "compare" word problems involving addition and subtraction. These findings are interpreted within a theoretical framework which emphasizes development of levels of word problem-solving ability related to…