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Chapter 11: Counting
In words, if not on paper, students may learn to count from 1 to a high single
digit, then 1 to two digits, and then 1 to beyond 100. Here they may learn the
pattern of counting aloud, before or besides making marks or symbols on paper.
The idea that counting can go on forever, not stop, appears. There is no largest
(whole) number. The questions of how far one can count or what is the largest
number that can be counted may lead to this realization.
Writing the numbers on paper introduces decimal notation, and the concept
that the value of digit in the decimal representation of a number is determined
by its position. Thus the student becomes familiar with the unit, tens, hundreds
and thousands positions in the decimal coding and expression of whole numbers.
Whole numbers can be used to count the number of objects in a group, for
instance the number of feet (or meters) between two points along a measuring
tape or the number of marbles in a bag. Numbers written on paper and the
rules for arithmetic represent the first symbolic manipulations that appear in
mathematics.
Multiplication and addition are present in the decimal system. In particular,
to envision the number 34, we can envision three groups of 10 squares counted
together with another 4 squares. The image of a rectangle covered by 4 rows,
each consisting of ten squares, leads to the notion of area – exactly how many
squares are needed to cover a region. The area of this rectangle is forty
squares. Units can be introduced: square inches, square centimeters, etc. (How
to compute the area of a rectangle is being introduced or hinted at in the
latter example.)
To physically represent the notion of multiplication, cue cards or pictures
of rectangles and squares with varying heights and widths, as indicated by the
number of squares in a horizontal row, or vertical column can be employed. These
images can illustrate or define the 10, 12 and 16 times table, etc. They can be
used to observe that 4 times 6 gives the same result as 6 times 4 – the order
of multiplication is not important. Further examples of a similar or different
kind will be generated by a teacher. The object of each is to introduce a new
idea or to widen and reinforce a previous one.
Before multiplication can be described further, addition needs to be
discussed. Addition can be initially viewed physically as the combination of two
or more objects, or groups of objects together. This is a physical definition
that is easily understood by students before the addition of decimal numbers has
been explained or even mentioned. The addition of various numbers of objects can
be illustrated with small groups of marbles, dots, squares, etc. By this method,
the addition of pairs and even triplets of the numbers 1 to 9 can be introduced
and illustrated. For instance, in a repeatable and reproducible fashion, a child
may see two plus three is five simply by combining a group of two marbles with a
group of three. For a child and possibly some adults, such considerations
inductively show why 1+1=2 or 2+2=4. No deep philosophy is required. The
meaning, justification and interpretation here is a consequence of the
adjectival role of numbers in counting how many and the conservation of objects,
say marbles.
The grouping concept is further useful in developing or explaining the
distributive law of multiplication over addition. For example, five bags of 4
marbles plus three bags of 4 marbles gives five plus three, that is, eight bags
of 4 marbles. The physically observed conservation of marbles now suggest the
distributive law
This physically seen or induced distributive law whether it is recognized or
not, provides an informal basis for the thought-based development discussion of
numbers and their decimal representations in elementary mathematics. It may be
implicit in the explanation of multiplication.
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Mathematics
Curriculum
Notes
Volume 1B
Printed in Canada
ISBN 0-9697564-6-1
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Volume 1 =
1A+1B
bounded together
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11 Cue Cards 11 Counting 11 Decimals - Addition 11 Decimals -Times 11 Decimals & Subtraction 11 Fractions and Division 11 Notational Conflict 11 Reciprocals Etc 11 Decimals - Ratios 11 Size Comparison 11 Numbers, +ve or -ve 11 Rename < Sign 11 Complex Numbers
Foreword 1. Introduction [4] 2 For & Against Math 3 Algebra [3] 4 Why Slopes & Complex No. [2] 5 References - Past Efforts 6 Euclidean Logic 7 Geometry in 2 Ways 8 Modern Instruction 9 The Two Ends 10 The Transition [3] 11 Primary School Math [13] 12 Four Phases
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For
Senior
High School & Calculus Students
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Words to clearly
introduce algebra and variables
have been missing in course design. For people who cannot do
algebra,
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the missing words may
explain or ease their difficulties. Volume 2 ,Three
Skills for Algebra, in Chapters
8 to 14 & 18 etc, puts words before symbols to
providing the missing words in a way that enrich the
comprehension of all. Those words form the middle part of a algebra
(and logic) lessons aimed at helping or improving all
of high school mathematics and also calculus course
design & delivery.
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For Avid Readers in School & Out -
Online Books
1. Elements of
Reason. 1996
1A. Pattern
Based Reason 1995
1B. Math
Curriculum Notes 1996
2. Three
Skills for Algebra 1995
3.Why
Slopes & More.Math
1995
Tour their forewords.
Calculus Prep or Help: See Volumes 2 & 3,
and this bigger
Calculus
Guide. If your
calculus questions is not answered here, submit
it. Over time, that may complete the site development of
calculus.
For Parents: Speaking
Skills, Reading
& Writing,
Preparing for Science, ends,
values and methods for work and study, parent- friendly maths
skill development booklets for ages 4-14.
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Mostly
For High
School
Intro to Solving
Linear Equations
- a different paths for junior and even senior high
school students. Question for Tutors: When do
you use and when you skip the stick diagram method
here?
Fraction
Skills, thought-based development, Ages 10 to 14 may need a
tutor. Students who have to understand in order
to do may like the development in all or part.
For Senior
High School Mathematics & Calculus
5
wordy Logic
Chapters
4 curious Algebra
Chapters
Words before & besides symbols. A Key Algebra
forward & backwards Chapter
First Calculus
Preview (1st intro)
Four Calculus
Chapters
(2nd intro)
Intro to Complex
Numbers (long)
Intro to Mathematical
Induction (romantic & wordy at first)
Tutors & Instructors:
These lessons introduce skills differently Would you
recommend them?
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More Topics
1. Decimal
Arithmetic Reference!
2. Integers
- Intro to Signed No.s
3. Fractions
- fully explained.
4. Fractions
with Units
5. Number
Theory,
6. Solving
Linear Equations
7 Formulas
for- & backwards -
8. Proportionality,
Back- & For-wards.
9. Logic
Chapters:
10. Euclidean-Geometry
11. Slopes
& Equations of Straight Lines. (Take
I. See take II below)
12. Why
Study Slopes.
13. Maps,
Plans, Similarity & Trig,
(Take II included here)
14. Quadratics:
Starter lessons
15. Polynomials:
Starter lessons
16 Why
Factor Polynomials:
17 Functions
- Forwards & Backwards.
18. Exponents,
Radicals & logs.
19. Complex
Numbers before trig (new advance/ starter lesson)
20. DC
Electric
Circuits Etc
21. Real
Analysis
22. The
Olde Complex No, Trig
& Vector Section.
23. More
Calculus Stuff
- written after Volumes 2 and 3.
Level I Material: New Stuff
Time and Date Matters
Level I Arithmetic.
Money Matters
Measurement Matters
Matters of Chance (Risk Control)
Logic
Chapters
(leave what's not clear in Level I to Level II)
Using/Making Maps and Plans.
(A variant of
Maps,
Plans, Similarity & Trig, to
appear here).
For Instructors
-
Education
Essays
(opinions,
possibilities, references)
- Free
Advice and Directions for teaching primary & high school maths
will be given in online meeting place with voice &
whiteboard.
- Math & Logic How-TOs
1. Arithmetic
2. Algebra
3. More Algebra
4. Beginner Geometry
5. More Geometry
6. Calculus
7. Show Work or Logic
These may be too dense for students. Offering ideas to change
education makes this site different. Nothing
ventured, nothing gained. Site material is
mathematically correct, and where not, please report
errors. The two level program POMME in the site
entrance implies multiple paths for instruction. Supporting
those paths in turn implies a clear destination for
site development and perhaps a new name.
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