Partial Differences: How it works and why we use it

Please stop in to see me if you have any questions.  I'm happy to walk through some equations with you.  Charlie Grogan, our Math Coordinator for Lower School, is also a good resource for answering your questions.  Feel free to email him at cgrogan@sch.org.

Here is another great video explaining how Partial Differences works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGQy9aUCOq0




Why we use the Everyday Math curriculum?

Algorithms 

An algorithm is a systematic, step-by-step procedure to solve a class of problems such as any of the four operations. For example, in the “traditional” addition and subtraction algorithms, we’ve learned to line up numbers vertically so that the digits are in the correct place value columns. We’ve learned to add or subtract the digits moving from the right column to the left, regrouping/carrying for addition or borrowing for subtraction if need be, in order to get the correct answer to the problem. 

In Singapore Math, traditional algorithms such as these are eventually taught and mastered. However, we also teach alternative algorithms or approaches to solving problems, often before we teach the traditional ones in order to reinforce understanding of place value and provide a variety of problem-solving methods from which to choose. 

 Singapore Math…Demystified! 

This is a great document for future reference clearly explaining concepts that have, and will, be taught in math using the Everyday Math Curriculum.

http://www.silverwoodschool.org/programs/singapore.2010.pdf