Adding and subtracting integers can be a challenge for many students. When students struggle with this idea, we often resort to memory tricks. Unfortunately, when students only know how to use tricks and lack the necessary conceptual understanding to apply concepts to new ideas, students...
Playlist - Integers
Last time, we added positive and negative integers using black and red squares. Now we will show the red squares first and students see that the rules are the same.
In this video, we introduce the idea of subtracting integers by using simple subtraction of a positive by a positive (black squares) and negative subtracting a negative (red squares). We then offer a notice and wonder situation when we give black squares, followed by the introduction of a...
In this post, we continue our work around integers from a visual perspective. You should definitely use the other integer posts first prior to attempting this task as students intuitively build an understanding progressively through each activity. Here, we continue working with...
In this visualization video, we re-introduce the zero principle to subtracting positive and negative integers. By showing black and red squares combining and disappearing as well as black and red squares re-appearing in an attempt to show that we can add more squares of one colour as long...
In yet another video focusing on addition and subtraction of positive and negative integers, we introduce a number line as a tool to help organize our thinking. The video shown at the top of the post has the entire visual progression. However, the video is chunked into smaller pieces...
Let's continue exploring integer subtraction, but this time using a number line as a tool to subtract positive and negative values as well as represent our thinking.
Let's continue exploring integer addition, but this time we will progress from using colour alone to represent the opposite signs of positive and negative values and explicitly write out these expressions and equations mathematically!
Let's continue exploring integer subtraction, but this time we will progress from using colour alone to represent the opposite signs of positive and negative values and explicitly write out these expressions and equations mathematically!
Let's extend our integer operation visuals to multiplying positive and negative values using coloured square tiles and number lines!