Old Math, New Math, Real Math
The Different Approaches
A comprehensive resource for parents, teachers, and students who want to learn more about different approaches to addition with regrouping.
Carry the One
The term “carry the one” is used in mathematics to describe the process of carrying over a digit from one column to the next when adding or subtracting numbers. The term dates back to at least the 14th century when it was first used in a book on arithmetic by John Napier.
In the early days of mathematics, numbers were often written in Roman numerals, which did not have a place value system. This made it difficult to add and subtract large numbers, and the process of carrying over digits was often quite cumbersome.
The introduction of the Arabic numeral system in the 12th century, made adding and subtracting large numbers much easier. The place value system of Arabic numerals made it possible to carry over digits from one column to the next.
The term “carry the one” became more widespread in the 16th century, when it was used in a number of textbooks on arithmetic. It taught students to note there was a carryover to the next column by placing a one in that column. This is an abstract concept, which can be difficult to understand at a young age.
Why New Math?
It’s Not Just About the Right Answer (Anymore).
Math is everywhere, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear to the devices we use. And in today’s world, it’s more important than ever for kids to be able to understand and use math to solve problems and make informed decisions.
That’s why the way we teach math has changed. In the past, we focused on memorizing math facts and following steps. But today, we know that it’s more important for kids to understand why math works. This helps them to develop the critical thinking skills they need to succeed in the real world.
For example, imagine you’re trying to build a treehouse. You need to know how to measure the wood, calculate the weight of the materials, and design the structure so that it’s safe and sturdy. You can’t just memorize a bunch of formulas – you need to understand why those formulas work and how to apply them to the specific problem you’re trying to solve.
New math is like that. It teaches kids to think critically about math. It’s not just about getting the right answer – it’s about understanding why and being able to apply that knowledge to real-world problems.
Another example:
Would it be better for a student to learn how to use a 10-key calculator or Excel? Excel, right? It’s a more versatile skill. The same is true for math. Is it more helpful for kids to just get the answer to a math problem, or to be able to explain why the answer works and apply that to a data set? You’re right again – it’s better to be able to explain the math.
New math helps kids develop these skills, and it’s essential for their success in the future. So, if you want your kids to be prepared for the future, make sure they’re learning new math!