Strategies for subtracting mixed numbers with "regrouping"

Here are the 3 strategies you can use to subtract fractions when you need to "regroup".

Subtracting strategies

Subtracting Mixed Numbers using the common multiple strategy

Here is a video to remind you of the steps for subtracting fractions with unlike denominators by finding a common denominator using the common multiples strategy.

Subtracting Fractions with unlike Denominators

4.2 Subtraction-- the standard algorithm

Watch this video and be prepared to work on the problems with me. You will need a piece of paper and a pencil to complete this lesson. When you begin working on the lesson independently, use blocks or make a model to help you with your thinking.

4.2 Subtracting using the standard algorithm

Finding a Common Denominator using Multiples

Here is a quick video to review finding a common denominator, when adding fractions with unlike denominators, using the multiples strategy.

Lesson 10: finding common denominators using multiples

Rectangular Arrays for Solving Multiplication Problems with Decimal Fraction

This week, students will be solving multiplication problems with decimal fractions. As with any skill student will learn this year, they will first work with a concrete model. They will then move on to a representational model. And finally, they will learn the more abstract model. The video below explains the models students will be exposed to this week.


Rectangular Arrays with Decimal Fractions

Why do Teachers Use Manipulatives in Math?

I wanted to share this article with you. It shows how one teacher uses manipulatives when introducing new skills in math. Lots of students feel like using manipulatives is not productive in math, but we will be using them a lot in math this year.

Why do Teachers Use Manipulatives in Math?

Partial Quotient Algorithm

Hello all,

I heard you all loud and clear at Open House. Yes, the math I am teaching your children is different from the math we all learned in school. And thank goodness! Math was hard (back then) for students who couldn't memorize the steps or who asked why at all during math class.

The focus has shifted in the past 10 years from memorization of algorithms to a better number sense, an understanding of the why behind the math, and application in a variety of problems. I will be posting videos and articles explaining the rationale behind the my teaching throughout the year, so keep checking back. And don't worry, your children will learn all of the standard algorithms in time, but they may also realize that the most efficient method is not always the standard algorithm! Click the link below to watch my first video on the partial quotient algorithm.

As always, feel free to reach out with any comments or questions. Better yet, make a plan to come in and be a "student for a day" in my math class!


Partial Quotients