As we are getting closer and closer to Thanksgiving...... I thought I would reintroduce this blog. Enjoy!
The following is a great GED Math help activity on distributive property.
Yesterday I was introducing the concept of distributive property and needed to come up with a quick activity to help explain. I have found that with most of my adult students, and I am sure it it also true with younger learners, understanding and simplifying an expression that contains the Distributive Property is difficult and confusing. This is especially true for those prepping for the the GED Math test.
So, I decided to try to come up with a way to make the lesson more meaningful and concrete. Here is what I did.... and not only did my students enjoy the activity.... but I think they GOT IT!
1. I showed an example of distributive property on the overhead. i. e. 4(x+2)
2. I explained how to determine if it truly was a distributive property problem. You have a set of parentheses, inside the parentheses you have two terms, the terms are separated with either a "+" or "-", and there is a term directly on the left side of the parentheses.
3. Once they 'kind of" understood the components of a distributive property problem, I created a "nonsense" example for them. Because we are so close to Thanksgiving, we decided to "distribute" 2 turkeys to Sally and Peter. I set up the problem as follows:
2t (Sally + Peter)
The result was 2ts (two turkeys for sally) + 2tp (two turkeys for peter)>>>> 2ts + 2tp
We did several examples where we distributed "real" items. After about 3 examples they began to understand....
4. Once the students understood, I then took out the second person and added a number instead. We distributed 3 pumpkins (3p) and practiced the idea of multiplying the factor by the sum of the terms inside the parentheses
3p (s + 2) >>> (3p)(s) + (3p)(2) = 3ps + 6p
Sally got three pumpkins + six pumpkins
Tomorrow we will continue to practice using some great GED Math Worksheets.
Showing posts with label gedmathhelp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gedmathhelp. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 03, 2018
Monday, April 30, 2012
GED Math Videos
If you are one of those many individuals who like to learn math via videos, check out www.worksheetsdirect.com.
They are continually adding short (2-5min) videos on various math topics. Perfect for students who need to view a concept a couple of times.
It is also a great site for GED math help worksheets and quizzes.
They are continually adding short (2-5min) videos on various math topics. Perfect for students who need to view a concept a couple of times.
It is also a great site for GED math help worksheets and quizzes.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
GED Math Vocabulary- Whole Numbers
The following are 20 GED math vocabulary words that GED students need to know. They all focus around "whole numbers". For worksheets to help learning and reinforce this vocabulary, go to worksheetsdirect.com
addition- the process of adding two numbers to get their sum
difference- the difference between two numbers is what you get when you subtract one from the other
division- a basic arithmetical operation determining how many times one quantity is contained within another
estimate- a rough guess at the value of a number
interval- in math, the space or distance between numbers
multiplication- the basic arithmetic operation of repeated addition
number line- a line on which each point represents a real number
place value- within a number, each digit is given a place value depending on it's location within the number
product- the result of multiplying two numbers
remainder- the number left over when one number is divided by another
subtraction- a basic operation of arithmetic in which you take away one number from another
sum- the result of addition
digit- in the decimal system, one of the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
period- each group of three digits in a series of numbers, starting from right to left
rounding- the process of approximating a number to a nearby one
comparing- to note the similarity or dissimilarity between two numbers
add- combine quantities, find a total
subtract- find a difference, take away a quantity, "how much left", "how much is left"
multiply- to put together a number of equal amounts to find a total, add the same number repeatedly
divide- to put together a number of equal amounts to find a total, Add the same number repeatedly
more GED Math Worksheets
addition- the process of adding two numbers to get their sum
difference- the difference between two numbers is what you get when you subtract one from the other
division- a basic arithmetical operation determining how many times one quantity is contained within another
estimate- a rough guess at the value of a number
interval- in math, the space or distance between numbers
multiplication- the basic arithmetic operation of repeated addition
number line- a line on which each point represents a real number
place value- within a number, each digit is given a place value depending on it's location within the number
product- the result of multiplying two numbers
remainder- the number left over when one number is divided by another
subtraction- a basic operation of arithmetic in which you take away one number from another
sum- the result of addition
digit- in the decimal system, one of the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
period- each group of three digits in a series of numbers, starting from right to left
rounding- the process of approximating a number to a nearby one
comparing- to note the similarity or dissimilarity between two numbers
add- combine quantities, find a total
subtract- find a difference, take away a quantity, "how much left", "how much is left"
multiply- to put together a number of equal amounts to find a total, add the same number repeatedly
divide- to put together a number of equal amounts to find a total, Add the same number repeatedly
more GED Math Worksheets
Sunday, October 02, 2011
GED Math Help- Small Group Instruction
One GED math help concept I taught this week was on reducing fractions. Some students had difficulty understanding the idea of divisibility rules (for 2, 3, 5, and 10). We went through many problems and many of them were still confused.
I taught the concept of finding common factors.... and choosing the greatest common factors.... or at least using a common factor. They were still confused.
Until one student said," When I was in school (way back when...) they told us to think about splitting the number in halves or thirds."
That the students understood. So we practiced the idea of "can we split BOTH numbers evenly in half, in thirds, in fifths, in tenths. They finally understood reducing AND they understood that in simplifying a fraction such as 4/6 they were indeed dividing it by 2/2.
Be open to what your students have to say. This "method" of teaching reducing fractions is something that I know I will use again.
reducing fraction worksheets
I taught the concept of finding common factors.... and choosing the greatest common factors.... or at least using a common factor. They were still confused.
Until one student said," When I was in school (way back when...) they told us to think about splitting the number in halves or thirds."
That the students understood. So we practiced the idea of "can we split BOTH numbers evenly in half, in thirds, in fifths, in tenths. They finally understood reducing AND they understood that in simplifying a fraction such as 4/6 they were indeed dividing it by 2/2.
Be open to what your students have to say. This "method" of teaching reducing fractions is something that I know I will use again.
reducing fraction worksheets
Saturday, September 10, 2011
GED Math and School Again!
It is hard to believe that it is that time again. Back to school and back to thinking about finishing your GED.
Again, as I survey my students.... I find that the GED Math Test is one of the hardest and most challenging!
I have been busy putting together GED math worksheets and other tools to help students pass the GED Math Test.
They are collected on Worksheetsdirect.com
Check it out.... and if you like what you see "Like" Worksheetsdirect on Face Book. As new worksheets are generated and added to the site, it will be posted on Face Book.
Enjoy and good luck!
Enjoy and good luck!
Sunday, June 06, 2010
GED Math & Subtracting Negative Integers
Perhaps one of the most difficult concepts for learners to comprehend is negative integers. If you show them a problem such as 7-4, they know that the answer is 3.
But if you give them 7-(-4), they may still think the answer is 3.
So what is the best way to teach subtraction of integers, both positive and negative?
I have found that if you teach the basic method of "adding the opposite", that will help.
Example: 7-(-4)= ??
7 + (4) = 11
Step one: Keep the first integer 7
Step two: Change the negative sign to a positive sign
Step three: Change the sign of the second integer. In this case, The opposite of negative four is positive four.
Step four: Add the two integers.
But if you give them 7-(-4), they may still think the answer is 3.
So what is the best way to teach subtraction of integers, both positive and negative?
I have found that if you teach the basic method of "adding the opposite", that will help.
Example: 7-(-4)= ??
7 + (4) = 11
Step one: Keep the first integer 7
Step two: Change the negative sign to a positive sign
Step three: Change the sign of the second integer. In this case, The opposite of negative four is positive four.
Step four: Add the two integers.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
GED Small Group Math Instruction
Many students can successfully prepare for the GED Tests on their own. But there are equally as many, if not more, that require at least some instruction.
I have found some success in small group math instruction. It is, in a sense, a GED Math support group. There is a group of students that meet 3 mornings a week for about an hour and a half. We work through the Steck Vaughn GED Math book. Most days there is about 3-4 students. New students join on a regular basis. Some do not come every day, but for those who are able to... it really pays off. Two students have recently taken their GED math tests, and both passed with scores in the 500+.
If you can, join or start your own GED Math Small Support Group. Have a "math conversation" every day and have fun!
Remember.... math can be fun!
I have found some success in small group math instruction. It is, in a sense, a GED Math support group. There is a group of students that meet 3 mornings a week for about an hour and a half. We work through the Steck Vaughn GED Math book. Most days there is about 3-4 students. New students join on a regular basis. Some do not come every day, but for those who are able to... it really pays off. Two students have recently taken their GED math tests, and both passed with scores in the 500+.
If you can, join or start your own GED Math Small Support Group. Have a "math conversation" every day and have fun!
Remember.... math can be fun!
Monday, June 16, 2008
GED Summer Help
Just because it is June, does not mean that you should slack off studying for your GED. In fact, it may be the best time. Why?
Teachers are off work. Many will be looking for other things to do and tutoring/mentoring a GED candidate for their GED tests may be just what they are looking to do. Plus it will look great on their resume. Call a teacher you know..... today!
Learning Centers typically have fewer students during the summer months. Therefore, you will get more one-on-one attention. Check the schedule of your local GED Learning Center and get signed up today!
Even though it is summer, your local GED Testing Center should be continuing to offer the GED testing. Call today and schedule an appointment.
Good luck!!
Teachers are off work. Many will be looking for other things to do and tutoring/mentoring a GED candidate for their GED tests may be just what they are looking to do. Plus it will look great on their resume. Call a teacher you know..... today!
Learning Centers typically have fewer students during the summer months. Therefore, you will get more one-on-one attention. Check the schedule of your local GED Learning Center and get signed up today!
Even though it is summer, your local GED Testing Center should be continuing to offer the GED testing. Call today and schedule an appointment.
Good luck!!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
GED Math Anxiety
Have a student who just cannot pass that GED math test? Have they taken the test more than once and failed? Now they are scared to even try.... but they have to pass so that they can get the job to support their family.
If you have a student who struggles with GED Math, or you are a student struggling with GED math, you are not alone!
Again, I am working with a young adult who has failed the GED math test twice. Although she is determined to continue studying and attempt it again... she is a bit scared. She knows that if she takes it again this year, and fails again, she will have to wait until next year, 2009.
When she returns to the tutoring center, our first step will be to re-evaluate where she is mathematically.
Then we will go from there. In the meantime, I will be encouraging her and letting her know that she is not alone.
There are many GED candidates who struggle with the GED math and have taken the test more than once.
If you have a student who struggles with GED Math, or you are a student struggling with GED math, you are not alone!
Again, I am working with a young adult who has failed the GED math test twice. Although she is determined to continue studying and attempt it again... she is a bit scared. She knows that if she takes it again this year, and fails again, she will have to wait until next year, 2009.
When she returns to the tutoring center, our first step will be to re-evaluate where she is mathematically.
Then we will go from there. In the meantime, I will be encouraging her and letting her know that she is not alone.
There are many GED candidates who struggle with the GED math and have taken the test more than once.
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