Increase Understanding of Arithmetic Operations

Learners not only need to learn how to perform arithmetic operations, they must also develop an awareness of the concepts of the operations. While using the program, you can help learners:

In the Tutor activity, learners can hear and read the language associated with any operation during demonstrations of problem solving. Learners can read problems aloud in Practice and Assignment to practice using the language that the Tutor used. Refer to Use Arithmetic Everyday and Use the Language of the Operations for specific types of language you can use to create and discuss arithmetic problems.

In any of the activities, in any of the operations, discuss with learners what the operation does, the symbols associated with the operation, and the effect of the operation on whole numbers. Refer to Use the Language of the Operations, for a discussion of the operations.

In Tutor, watch demonstrations of Addition level 1, and Subtraction level 1. The Tutor demonstrates solving the problems with manipulables on the screen. For suggestions for using manipulatives away from the computer see Use Manipulatives.

To provide practice in understanding some of the properties of whole numbers, look for the property in this list and change to the suggested operation and skill level in Math Skill Builders: Whole Number Arithmetic.

Identity or Zero Property of Addition: See Addition level 2.

Commutative or Order Property of Addition: See Addition, any level, and reverse the addends in any problem.

Zero Property of Multiplication: See multiplication level 3.

Commutative or Order Property of Multiplication: See Multiplication any level and reverse the factors in any problem.

One or Identity Property of Multiplication: See Multiplication level 1.

Division Property of One: See Division levels 1, 3, 4, and 5.