The 6th graders are learning about the Distributive Property. This is the math property that shows things like 326 x 26 equals the same thing as 326 x 20 + 326 x 6. We just distribute the numbers around before doing the multiplication.
The picture shows a model they are currently practicing. It starts with the model for a math fact. I chose the number 15. 3 x 5 = 15. But we can break the 3 x 5 model up into two smaller sections 1) 3 x3 and 2) 3 x2. When you write this in a multiplication form it looks like (3 x 3) + (3 x 2) = 15. This form requires them to remember their order of operations (operations in parenthesis happen first). They can write the same kind of concept in a more compact form: 3 x (3 + 2). The 3 + 2 in the parenthesis being the two short lengths of the width of the model added together. It could also look like 3(3 +2). All of these get the same answer, 15.
Why do they need this? It begins to lay the foundation (in very familiar territory) for future adventures in Algebra!
For those still struggling with Prime Factorization, try this website: http://www.mathplayground.com/factortrees.html. It can help them practice Prime Factorization AND using prime factors to find the GCF and LCM. I have not played it myself, but it was recommended by another math teacher.
The picture shows a model they are currently practicing. It starts with the model for a math fact. I chose the number 15. 3 x 5 = 15. But we can break the 3 x 5 model up into two smaller sections 1) 3 x3 and 2) 3 x2. When you write this in a multiplication form it looks like (3 x 3) + (3 x 2) = 15. This form requires them to remember their order of operations (operations in parenthesis happen first). They can write the same kind of concept in a more compact form: 3 x (3 + 2). The 3 + 2 in the parenthesis being the two short lengths of the width of the model added together. It could also look like 3(3 +2). All of these get the same answer, 15.
Why do they need this? It begins to lay the foundation (in very familiar territory) for future adventures in Algebra!
For those still struggling with Prime Factorization, try this website: http://www.mathplayground.com/factortrees.html. It can help them practice Prime Factorization AND using prime factors to find the GCF and LCM. I have not played it myself, but it was recommended by another math teacher.