While conceptual understanding of properties, operations, and the base-ten number system is certainly associated with the ability to access math facts fluently, the role of math fact memorization to promote conceptual understanding remains contested. In order to gain insight into this question, this study looks at the results when one of three…

For many students, developing mathematical reasoning can prove to be challenging. Such difficulty may be explained by a deficit in the core understanding of many arithmetical concepts taught in early school years. Multiplicative reasoning is one such concept that produces an essential foundation upon which higher-level mathematical thinking skills…

To investigate the structure of number sense and then to assess its uses in fifth-grade children's number sense development, a computerized number sense scale was developed and evaluated. The findings of the study indicate that the newly developed scale, with four dominant factors identified and reconfirmed, is internally consistent and…

Presents techniques and materials for instruction at secondary school and upper elementary grades in mathematical concepts of number systems structure. Grouping is used as a simple algebraic system to illustrate structure. Closure, inverse, identity, commutative and associative properties are examines relative to manipulation of geometric figureS.…

This article gives two methods of resolving natural numbers into prime factors. Depending upon the number that is being resolved, one method may be better to use than the other. However, it is difficult to tell beforehand which is the better method to employ. Examples are given. (Author/MA)

The early use of the distributive law can aid students in learning addition of fractions and provide rapid approaches to computation involving other operations. (SD)