In this note we demonstrate two instances where matrix multiplication can be easily verified. In the first setting, the matrix product appears as matrix element concatenation, and in the second, the product coincides with matrix addition. General proofs for some results are provided with a more complete description for 2×2 matrices. Suggested for…

In current teaching materials, when using Dedekind cuts to construct real numbers, the definition of a Dedekind cut is always involved in defining addition and multiplication. In this paper, as it is done in many current textbooks, Dedekind cuts are used to construct the set of real numbers. Then the order in it is defined, and the…

Developing and supporting understanding of the meaning of multiplication and multiplicative relationships in students with mathematics learning disabilities requires carefully designed instruction that emphasizes strategic representation use. This article discusses three ways in which teachers can incorporate multiple representations within…

Students encounter mathematics word problems as early as kindergarten and continue to see them throughout their schooling experience. Schema instruction with an attack strategy can support students to successfully navigate word-problem solving. Schemas help students categorize word problems by similar characteristics. To better support students…

Understanding negative numbers can be challenging for many students, as these concepts may seem less tangible than counting objects, which are commonly represented by positive numbers. In addition, the multiplication of two negative numbers resulting in a positive might appear inconsistent and puzzling to young learners who are used to seeing the…

This article describes "Build It!--The Rectangle Game" task that uses the context of a game to develop mathematical generalizations based on strategy. The underlying mathematics in this game-based task is for students to discover factors and prime and composite numbers through 100. The playful use of "The Rectangle Game"…

The Times Tables Drill, in which students recite multiplication facts at high speed, is based on a 200 year-old American military education practice. Emphasising "commands," "obedience," "rules," "silence," "separation," "surveillance," "speed," "competition,"…

Representations are used throughout school mathematics for students to both think through a problem and communicate their ideas. Students also often come to mathematics class with a repertoire of representations. This article presents the ideas of different and multiple representations with conceptual connections as their underlying distinguishing…

The authors have found that having students learn accessible standard algorithms by explaining them using mathematics drawings increases students' sense of place--value numbers and enables students to articulate their understanding of what is actually happening with the numbers and why. In this article, they will discuss three standard algorithms…

In this article, the authors argue that teachers need to possess appropriate understanding and diverse pedagogies to successfully move learners from additive to multiplicative thinking. Herein, they offer five pedagogical strategies that teachers can use to help students make this transition. Some of the challenges of learning multiplicative…

The authors define two mathematical cognitive verbs which are fundamental to the development of mathematical thinking and reasoning. They distinguish between 'describing' and 'explaining' in relation to doing mathematics, rather than using them interchangeably.

The literature dealing with student understanding of integration in general and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus in particular suggests that although students can integrate properly, they understand little about the process that leads to the definite integral. The definite integral is naturally connected to the antiderivative, the area under…

Building from the concept of verbing mathematics as a culturally consistent and enabling mathematics education practice for Mi'kmaw learners, the authors present an elementary multiplication lesson affectionately named "Sets of, Rows of, Jumps of". Through examination of this specific set of tasks emerging notions of structuring, play,…

This article describes some of the essential mathematics that underpins the use of algorithms through a series of learning pathways. To begin, a graphic depicting the mathematical ideas and concepts that underpin the learning of algorithms for multiplication and division is provided. The understanding and use of algorithms is informed by two…

Efficient visualizations of computational algorithms are important tools for students, educators, and researchers. In this article, we point out an innovative visualization technique for matrix multiplication. This method differs from the standard, formal approach by using block matrices to make computations more visual. We find this method a…