User:Togepicha/sandbox/Maths

The Operations of Maths
The simplest operations of maths are: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. When writing an equation, the following symbols replace the words above: + (addition), – (subtraction), x (multiplication), ÷ (division).

Addition
Addition means to add 2 quantities to find the total. When learning to add, concrete objects are often used first so the concept is understood, before moving on to pictorial representations of addition sums. An example of addition using concrete objects would be: 3 sweets were placed on a desk. Another 5 sweets were added. How many sweets are now on the desk? There are now 8 sweets on the desk (this would be physically acted out using real sweets).

Furthermore, pictorial representation could be created using the same addition problem shown above (draw the sweets instead of using real sweets).

After pictorial representation is understood fully, abstract addition is introduced. Abstract addition focuses on real numbers such as the number 1 instead of using a picture of something. The + symbol is also used e.g. 3 + 4 = 7. Also, horizontal addition is often introduced before vertical addition.

After moving on to abstract addition, mental math strategies are introduced. For example, when adding 2 digit numbers, first add the tens then the units/ones. The 2 totals would then be added i.e. 84 + 67 = ? Step 1: 80 + 60 = 140, Step 2: 4 + 7 = 11, Step 3: 140 + 11 = 151

151 is the answer to the sum 84 + 67.