For primary school students, the formative years are invaluable for building essential competencies like mathematics. Help your primary school kids to build a strong foundation at Model Math, an enrichment hub by SAFRA and Matrix Math that coaches arithmetic comprehension as well as critical thinking skills.
In this video, founder of Model Math Jason Hiak gives us a glimpse at his learning centre’s pioneering “Building Block Approach” and how it streamlines even the most complex mathematical questions.
Mastering the fundamentals
Jason deconstructs a typical problem sum question into sequential steps to simplify solving complex arithmetic challenges.
Question: ¼ of the people in the school are teachers and the rest are children. 1/3 of the children are girls. There are 10 boys. How many people are there in school?
Step 1: Model, Model, Model!
Illustrate the question’s many variables with a model. But first, let us better understand the conceptual components that have been established:
- The fraction ¼ is in relation to the total number of people in the school.
- The fraction 1/3 is in relation to the children, of which is ¾ of the school’s population.
Begin by drawing four boxes (or units) of equal size. Reserve a unit for teachers who make up ¼ of the school’s population and the rest for the children.
Step 2: Identifying your variables
Given that the second clause of the question is about the children specifically, we spotlight the 3 units that are reserved for that group. The denominator of ‘3’ in the fraction “1/3” implies three units, of which are already established in the model. As such, we reserve a unit for the girls.
Now, we focus on the question’s only fixed quantifier – the 10 boys. From the model, it is clear that the boys have two units dedicated to them. Make sure to label accordingly!
Step 3: Equalising and solving
With the case study now fully illustrated by the model, we can begin to put the pieces together! A simple rule of thumb to follow is to always find the value of a single unit.
2 units = 10 boys
1 unit = 10 / 2 = 5 boys
The question requires us to deduce the total number of people in the school. Remember, the entire school is represented by 4 units.
4 units = 5 boys x 4 units = 20 people
Math made easy
A collaborative initiative by SAFRA and Matrix Math, Model Math introduces their proprietary “Building Block Approach” that is designed to impart crucial critical reasoning skills as well as core arithmetic competencies to young learners.
Students will go through a curriculum that emphasises progressive learning, ensuring that they master the given topic before moving on to the next one. That way, lessons can be better personalised to accommodate various inclinations, ensuring that students leverage on their strengths to enrich their mathematical comprehension.
Sign your child up for a complimentary trial lesson at Model Math at modelmath.sg/primary-math-tuition
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