Number Systems

Catalog description

Careful examination of mathematical ideas behind the mathematics taught in grades K-6, and their history and applications in daily life. Intended primarily for future elementary school teachers to provide them with a better understanding of the underlying concepts of the mathematics they will teach. MA-205 concentrates on the various number systems of school mathematics: whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals. It does this by examining, in other number bases, standard algorithms for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as alternative algorithms in base ten, including student-generated algorithms. The course will focus on developing educators' conceptual understanding and exploring the mathematics through problem solving, projects, group explorations, and use of manipulatives as practices for mathematics instruction. MA-205 does not count towards the mathematics major or minor requirements, except for the mathematics and elementary education major. Students who have taken MA-205 are not eligible to take MA-203 .