Factor trees are useful way of showing numbers that divide into the larger number. They're basically a picture with the number at the top and its factors below. So, if we look at the number 42, a typical factor tree could look like either one of these: Notice that the second line in both trees are different. These are still factors of 42 but, if you follow it through … [Read more...]
Who invented maths?
Yeah, but who invented maths? .. was one of my favourite questions this week. I’m not sure whether the student was just a little bored and wanted a diverting chat, or whether there was a genuine interest. Either way it did get me thinking about who invented maths. Here’s what probably happened: A long time ago there lived a boy with an unpronounceable name. So we’ll call … [Read more...]
Help, my child is too young for school!
Help - my child's too young for school! My daughters first day at school was a bit of a shock - not for her - but for me. To see all these littlies running around, brimming with excitement and anticipation, excitedly anticipating the many years of schooling ahead, barely acknowledging proud parents as they rushed into the joys of academia…. Not really. If your child's … [Read more...]
How to estimate calculations
Rule 1 in how to estimate calculations - Don't underestimate the power to estimate. Probably the most used arithmetic skill by adults is the power to estimate. We're actually pretty good and can work out a handful of change or the weight of a bag of shopping fairly accurately. There is always an emphasis on getting the correct answer in maths but... it does help if you have a … [Read more...]
English vocabulary – Is 14000 words enough?
According to languagemonitor.com, the English vocabulary language incorporated its one millionth word - "Web 2.0" - at 10.22am June 10th 2009. This website tracks English vocabulary and acknowledges new words after they have been used 25,000 times on, predominately, social networking sites. Other contenders for the millionth word title include cloud computing, carbon neutral … [Read more...]