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Showing posts with the label mathematics

My Lazy Way

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          There was a sub in the eighth grade math class yesterday.   The instructor had left the instructions for the students to write out their 9 times tables from 1 – 25.   They were required to do in their heads and not use a calculator.   It’s not so bad doing in order.   1X9 of course is 9.   Just add 9 to it for your next answer 18 + 9 for your next answer: 27 and down the line.   Or you could use my lazy method which I have been doing since third or 4 th grade (whenever it was that we were taught)           I never did memorize my 9 times tables, but tens were easy.   All you had to do was tack a zero to the end of the number being multiplied and then take that number away.   Thus 70 -7 is the same as 9X7.  I find subtracting a number is easier than trying to multiply:           ...

2 week sub assignment

2nd grade reading           chapter books           Journeys - first story Jess makes gifts           story goes that she makes           homemade gifts for her mom                                       her brother Mike, and Gram. Last paragraph mentions a Jane           a Jane that was never mentioned                                       before Type-O? 1st group reading ...

Why Learn Algebra?

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            I get needing to know the basics of math.   I have multiplied or divided fractions when I doubled or halved a recipe.   I used addition and subtraction (mostly subtraction) when dealing with finances.   I have even measured things accurately. I get the basics and I do and have used them in real life.   Anything beyond the basics have been useless except for two times since graduating high school.             The two situations in which I’ve been required to understand beyond basic (Algebra comes to mind) came when my children were taking math courses in school.   Tony used to milk his sessions.   It would take hours just to do one problem.   He didn’t get that if he would just do it instead of trying to get me to re-learn and do his assignments, he could have been done so much quicker. Actually I have had hang...

Hidden Talents

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We all have gifts and talents that are perhaps unique to other people, perhaps the same, perhaps what sets us apart. Some talents just seem to come naturally while others are mastered or simply given up on.  Unfortunately some talents go unrecognized or are lost due to lack of sharing.           Jenna is really great with math.  I pushed her into believing that it is awesome so that she might understand it on her own.  She starts third grade next year and I’m thinking it may become too complex for my brain.           Math is something I didn’t figure I would ever ask her brothers to assistance for. Math is just NOT their forte.  Actually I am more confident in my own math skills than I would ever be in Biff’s.  His talent lies within animal charmer and puzzle awareness.           Lately Jenna’s math homework has cons...