My Philosophy on Math

My Philosophy on Math

This philosophy is primarily designed for problem solving in math, but can be relevant for other areas of life (science and technology in particular).

There are two types of problems.

Problem Type #1 – Basic Math Problems

These problems are characterized with:

1. Known Procedures that work every time

2. Unknown Solutions

When you use the known procedures, you get an accurate solution.

Examples:

Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division

Use your KNOWN PROCEDURES to solve these problems.  The best way to be successful is to know your basic math facts.  Use whatever method works best for your child whether it’s Drill and Kill or mnemonic devices, but make sure your child knows 95% of his math facts fluently and figure out the ones he does not know as well.  Later, teach your child to use the basic math facts to learn how to manipulate not just whole numbers but also fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Failure to learn these math facts well will result in not being able to learn higher math successfully.  It’s like shooting yourself in the foot.  This is not the time to use the tedious alternatives to solving problems such as you find in Common Core mathematics. (Not all Common Core is bad, but some of their methodologies are notoriously ridiculous.)

Problem Type #2 – The “Apollo 13” Problems

These types of problems are characterized with:

1. Unknown Procedures

2. A Known Solution

I call these types of problems “Apollo 13” problems.  In the movie Apollo 13, the astronauts developed a mechanical problem that would potentially be disastrous in their goal to get back to earth.  This is when the famous “Houston, we have a problem” quotation originated.  At NASA in Houston, the head guy gathered up all the parts, paraphernalia, and pieces of things that were available on the Apollo 13, dumped them out on the floor in front of his problem-solving team, and said, “This is the problem.  This is what they have on board.  Find a solution.”  They worked tirelessly overnight and developed a solution that worked to get them back to earth safely.

This is when you use your creative abilities and “thinking outside the box” strategies for these types of problems.  Keep in mind you do have to use what you know, but combine your knowledge with your creative abilities to solve problems or to create something new.