How to teach "Less than" questions?

[cimman]

here is how you use the template for \"more than\" question types:

http://i41.tinypic.com/2n739q8.jpg\">

in every question, focus on the keyword \"more than\", put the relevant numbers into the respective boxes. If there is a blank, put a circle in the relevant box to indicate it is a blank in the problem statement.

The fonts in black are numbers transferred directly from the problem statement. The fonts in red are calculated values.

I've put in 3 columns, A, B and C in the diagram. Based on where the circle is located, column A, or B or C, the operation, + or - will need to be used.
If circle falls into Column C, then use + operation.
If circle falls into Column A, then use - operation.

[please ignore this post, it's a double post, just read the post below]

[cimman]

here is how you use the template for \"more than\" question types:

http://i43.tinypic.com/ok90ud.png\">

in every question, focus on the keyword \"more than\", put the relevant numbers into the respective boxes. If there is a blank, put a circle in the relevant box to indicate it is a blank in the problem statement.

The fonts in black are numbers transferred directly from the problem statement. The fonts in red are calculated values.

I've put in 3 columns, A, B and C in the diagram. Based on where the circle is located, column A, or B or C, the operation, + or - will need to be used.
If circle falls into Column C, then use + operation to get the calculated value to fill in the blank box. Since there are only 2 numbers, just add the 2 numbers up.

Just remember the first step, is to transfer the numbers from the problem statement to the relevant boxes. Once the 2 \"more than\" orange boxes are filled up, the remaining number in the problem statement will go to the Yellow box (I call it the \"is\" box)

The second step, put the circle on the box where you need to find the answer.

The third step, check which column the circle is in. Use the operation for that column to find the answer.

If circle falls into Column A, then use - operation.
If circle falls into Column B, then use - operation.

[cimman]

here is how to process \"less than\" questions. The template is slightly different. However, the process to solve it is the same as the \"more than\" question.

http://i43.tinypic.com/28k23yo.png\">

Step 1: focus on the \"less than\" keyword. Extract the numbers on the left and right of the \"less than\" phrase and transfer them into the orange boxes. If there are blanks, cirlce the relevant box to represent blanks in the problem sum.

Step 2: transfer the remaining number into the Yellow box.

Step 3: check where which column the circle ends up in, A, B, or C. Use that column's operation (+,-) to calculate the values for the circled box.

[cimman]

I’ve managed to scale this concept of transferring values directly to a table for upper primary maths problem sums. It works and it eases the english comprehension aspect of complex problem sums.

The method works by breaking down the analysis into simpler smaller steps.

The conventional way is to analyse the problem and form a solution in the mind and then transfer that solution to paper. It is a one step process and is not really suitable for someone just starting to work on the problem sums.

With this method, the analysis starts by first directly transferring values from the problem sum to a table. Then the relationships between the values are "seen" from the table. It is much easier this way.

I will be conducting a free workshop on this method for parents on 21April and 28 April. You can see how this method scales for PSLE type complex problem sums. You can check out the Happening thread for details on this workshop.

Parents who need a pdf copy of the diagrams I posted, can send me a PM with their email address.
All the diagrams are in one pdf file. So it’s easier to print it out and have it in front of you while your child is working on "more than" "less than" problems. It will be great to print it out in colour.

[Blue Pearl]

tks cimman

[dido]

Hi,


Here is a simpler method.

1) Tell them it is only either + or -. For -, only big no. can minus small no.
2) Cover the number next to more or less and read to make sense
3) If blank is beside more or less, it is always - .

Try it out yourself. The sentence makes more sense after that : )

_____ is 3 less than 10 (Subtract)
3 is _____ less than 10 (Subtract)
3 less than 10 is ______ (Subtract)
3 is 10 less than ______ (Add)

_____ is 3 more than 10 (Add)
10 is ____ more than 3 (Subtract)
3 more than 10 is _____ (Add)
10 is 3 more than _____ (subtract)

Cheers
Dido

[dido]

Hi,


To explain why how many more or less is always subtraction, use objects. Remember numbers must be less than 10.

1) Parent : 8 sweets
2) Child : 10 sweets (always give them more than you to make them happy. Only when they are happy, then they can pay attention)
3) Ask: How many less does parent has?
4) Ask : How many more does child has?

Take out one by one to match each other sweets, the extra will be the answer.

Let me know if it works for your child.

Cheers
Dido

[Blue Pearl]

dido:

Hi,


Here is a simpler method.

1) Tell them it is only either + or -. For -, only big no. can minus small no.
2) Cover the number next to more or less and read to make sense
3) If blank is beside more or less, it is always - .

Try it out yourself. The sentence makes more sense after that : )

_____ is 3 less than 10 (Subtract)
3 is _____ less than 10 (Subtract)
3 less than 10 is ______ (Subtract)
3 is 10 less than ______ (Add)

_____ is 3 more than 10 (Add)
10 is ____ more than 3 (Subtract)
3 more than 10 is _____ (Add)
10 is 3 more than _____ (subtract)

Cheers
Dido

Hi I taught my girl the following and found this very effective.

I just told her to replace is (=)

_____ is 3 less than 10 ( ___ = 3- 10)
3 is _____ less than 10 (3 = ____ - 10
3 less than 10 is ______ (3-10 =____)
3 is 10 less than ______ (3 = 10 - ____)

_____ is 3 more than 10 (____ = 3 + 10)
10 is ____ more than 3 (10 = ____ + 3)

Hope this helps. Thank you.