Computational algorithms from American textbooks copyrighted prior to 1900 are presented--some that convey the concept, some just for special cases, and some just for fun. Algorithms for each operation with whole numbers are presented and analyzed. (MNS)

Presents several alternatives to customary algorithms for whole number arithmetic. Includes a brief history of each algorithm and discusses why each might be useful for particular kinds of children. (KHR)

Reviewing addition through the use of palindromes is discussed. A rule for converting any number into a palindrome is presented. (MP)

A new subtraction algorithm is described and illustrated. Research by the author has shown the method to be easier for low achievers, as well as useful as enrichment for average students. (SD)

Described is a case in which a young student stumbles upon the "integer" technique for subtraction which differs from the techniques of decomposition and equal addition. (MN)

Describes a pattern which emerged from an examination of the digits of the squares of numbers. Provides eight examples having the pattern at the units or tens digit of the number. (YP)

Instruction on properties of whole numbers, the meanings of operations on whole numbers, symbolic representation and algorithms for completing these operations is discussed. Many activities appropriate to each of these topics, and suitable for primary school children, are presented. (SD)

Algorithms for the four basic operations on whole numbers are described; these algorithms provide for sequential recording of all steps in the operations. (SD)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a student's confidence in his computational procedures for each of the four basic arithmetic operations and the student's achievement on computation problems. All of the students in grades 5 through 8 in one school system (a total of 6186 students) were given a questionnaire to…

Boys' and girls' achievement in arithmetic computation was compared with their feelings of self-confidence in performing computations. A total of 2654 girls and 2786 boys from grades 5 through 8 in one school system participated. Each student was given a test to assess the degree of self-confidence in methods of performing the four basic…

A previous study had confirmed that a substantial number of low achievers in grades 5 through 8 had high algorithmic confidence in each of the four arithmetic operations with whole numbers. The purpose of the present study was to follow up the results through interviewing low achievement-high confidence students in order to ascertain if they…

This document is intended as a resource for persons using, designing, or evaluating instructional materials in whole number subtraction. Its purpose is to provide conceptual machinery: (1) for describing/specifying subtraction tests and exercises and (2) for formulating related questions and conjectures. It is mainly a logical analysis subject to…

The "modern mathematics" curriculum places considerably more emphasis on the use of precise terminology when referring to properties of whole numbers than did previous curricula. The relationship between the ability to make these verbal associations and other aspects of mathematics achievement of sixth graders is investigated in this study A…

This booklet was written to provide elementary-school teachers with an overview of some of the research results related to the development of computational skills, together with ideas for classroom activities which have grown out of research projects. The booklet is organized into twelve sections, the first of which is devoted to delineating the…