Q&A - P3 Math

[ChiefKiasu]

tianzhu:

Hi,hope this helps.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3431668212_9e7aa24b29_o.jpg\">

Hmm... not sure where you got your 310 + 260 = 570 from. I thought it is simply 190 * 3 = 570?

[small]

ChiefKiasu:

Hmm... not sure where you got your 310 + 260 = 570 from. I thought it is simply 190 * 3 = 570?

Hi ChiefKiasu, hope this help.

tianzhu'ssolution was referred to the model before the transfer.

LA = (1U + 70) + 50 = (190 + 70) + 50 = 310

LB = (1U + 70) = 190 + 70 = 260

Yours was straightforward (after the transfer), 3U = 3 x 190 = 570

[small]

ChiefKiasu:

Hmm... not sure where you got your 310 + 260 = 570 from. I thought it is simply 190 * 3 = 570?

Hi ChiefKiasu, hope this help.

tianzhu'ssolution was referred to the model before the transfer.

LA = (1U + 70) + 50 = (190 + 70) + 50 = 310

LB = (1U + 70) = 190 + 70 = 260

Yours was straightforward (after the transfer), 3U = 3 x 190 = 570

[jesschan]

I extracted this from a problem sum: "6 students spent $x and had $y left" How would you interpret the statement?

(a) the 6 students paid $x and get $y change in return ie. the 6 students had only $x altogether
(b) the 6 students had $(x + y) altogether

[corneyAmber]

jesschan:

I extracted this from a problem sum: \"6 students spent $x and had $y left\" How would you interpret the statement?

(a) the 6 students paid $x and get $y change in return ie. the 6 students had only $x altogether
(b) the 6 students had $(x + y) altogether

My interpretation is (b). If it is (a), the statement would be:
6 students had $x at first and after spending, they had $y.

[worried mummy]

ks2me:

My interpretation is (b). If it is (a), the statement would be:
6 students had $x at first and after spending, they had $y.

I wonder why teachers can't write simple English when they set Maths questions. After all, shouldn't they focus on testing Maths concepts instead of trying to play with the language to confuse the children?

[kiasiparent]

worried mummy:

ks2me:

My interpretation is (b). If it is (a), the statement would be:
6 students had $x at first and after spending, they had $y.

Yeah, that was how my boy interpreted too but his teacher said the interpretation should be (a). I hope there will be less of such ambiguous questions...

obviously the teacher is wrong. Tell the principal to send the maths teacher for english class.

[worried mummy]

kiasiparent:

obviously the teacher is wrong. Tell the principal to send the maths teacher for english class.

if only I can do that....

[corneyAmber]

Actually, even if the English seems awkward, there is no need to offend the teacher(as it is I think teachers are quite stressed creatures themselves), just reason with him/her for a solution…


Just explain to the teacher with a simple example.

Go with the assumption the English statements is to be interpreted in the teacher’s way.
If it is non-alebra, the scenarios could be:

1. 6 students spent $20 and had $6 left…Then based on teacher’s intent or interpretation, yes, it is possible that they spent $20 and get $6 in return.

or:

2. 6 students spent $20 and had $30 left…Then in this scenario, the first interpretation is not possible even though the English is not wrong.

So in order to fit both scenarios for algebra question, it has to be interpreted the second way…or maybe like that the teacher will be more receptive to make the question clearer? Maths teachers are logical people, so just reason logic with them and not get them emotional and defensive. just my 2 cts worth.

[jesschan]

Just realised that my friend had not locked out of her ID from my laptop the last time she used it, was wondering how come my name became worried mummy... :?


coming back to this \"maths language\" issue, this teacher is the \"not easy to talk to type\" so I will just leave the matter as it is, but told my son to clarify with the teacher next time if there is ambiguity in the question