Maths

Using Fingers To Solve Maths Problems 

This week we began our mathematics assessment. An observation during this testing was that there is some negativity around the use of fingers for counting in math. 

Behavioural and neuropsychologists researching this area have found that fingers are critical to mathematical success. Students from year 1 through to university performed better on problem solving tasks when they had better finger- perception.

In students with higher mathematics attainment finger representations often move from physically using fingers to having finger representation in our brain. To strengthen these representations, consider some of the options in the link below.

Why Kids Should Use Their Fingers in Math Class, The Atlantic

I thought this week we would include a visual problem to ponder.

Lauren Maidment

Intervention / Mathematics Leader

Family Maths Problem 2.

Baravelle - Age 7 to 16 

Look at this image for a short while before turning away.

Can you:

• Recreate the image?
• Describe the image?
• Say some mathematical things about what you notice?
• Think of some mathematical questions you would like to ask about it?

(Taken from NRICH)

Possible Solutions for the

Family Maths Problem 1.

Question : 

I am thinking of 2 numbers on the hundreds chart. One number is 15 more than the other. One of my numbers has a 3 in it.

What might my 2 numbers be? Give as many answers as you can.

There are four sequences of possibilities;

- 3 and 8; 13 and 28; 23 and 38 etc

- 8 and 23; 18 and 33; 28 and 43 etc

- 15 and 30; 16 and 31; 17 and 32 etc

- 30 and 45; 31 and 46; 32 and 47 etc