This book is about playing with mathematics, teaching: (1) How to multiply and divide large numbers mentally; (2) Making addition and subtraction easy; (3) Tricks for understanding fractions and decimals; and (4) How to quickly check answers for each calculation. Described as a foolproof way to do multiplication, division, factoring estimating,…

The effectiveness of a pentop computer when teaching multiplication facts to three middle school students with mild intellectual disabilities was examined. A multiple probe design was used to assess the students learning of one and two digit multiplication facts over a 2-3 week intervention period. During the intervention phase, students used a…

Two procedures significantly improved multiplication skills in six students (nine to 12 years old) with learning disabilities. The procedures were writing out multiplication problems and saying problems aloud while working. (CL)

Describes strategies for teaching elementary students to solve a multiplication problem using the lattice method. (JOW)

Multiplication and division have in general been much more difficult to perform than addition and subtraction. Perhaps, if we could find some device for reducing multiplication and division to addition and subtraction, computational loads could be lightened. One such device is that of logarithms of course. This note outlines another such device…

The strategies for learning multiplication concepts are discussed. The strategies involve introduction of the multiplication concepts through problem solutions with linkage between new concepts and prior knowledge, provision of concrete experiences and semi-concrete representations prior to purely symbolic notations, explicit teaching of the rules…

This article presents an alternative to the traditional method of multiplying polynomials, FOIL. The method can be used with any size of polynomial.

The purpose of the present research is to compare the effects of a Direct Instruction flashcard procedure on the mastery of multiplication facts by two high school students with attention deficit hyper-activity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Both students were enrolled in a separate high school for students with behavior…

A simple, handmade device for teaching multiplication facts is described. (JT)

This paper focuses on elementary school students' use of mathematically-based (MB) and practically-based (PB) explanations. The mathematical context used in this study is multiplication. Two issues are discussed. The first issue is a comparison between MB and PB explanations used by students before they are formally introduced to multiplication in…

Presents and criticizes current theories of multiplication in order to pave the way for an alternative foundation for the concept of multiplication. Formulates a uniform concept of multiplication that recognizes anew the importance of the roles of multiplier and multiplicand. (Contains 22 references.) (ASK)

The present study contrasts mathematical knowledge that two sixth-grade teachers apparently used when teaching fraction multiplication with the Connected Mathematics Project materials. The analysis concentrated on those tasks from the materials that use drawings to represent fractions as length or area quantities. Examining the two teachers'…

Dividing by zero can be confusing for students at all levels. If teachers are to provide clear and understandable explanations of this topic, they must possess a strong conceptual understanding of it themselves. In this article, the authors present qualitative data on fourth- through eighth-grade teachers' perceptions of division by zero. They…