Exploding Dots

5.6 Wild Explorations

Here is a “big question” investigation you might want to explore, or just think about. Have fun!

 

EXPLORATION: LEFT TO RIGHT? RIGHT TO LEFT? ANY ORDER?

When asked to compute \(2552 \div 12\) Kaleb drew this picture, which he got from identifying groups of twelve working right to left.

He said the answer to \(2552 \div 12\) is \(121\) with a remainder of \(1100\).

 

Mabel, on the other hand, identified groups of twelve from left to right in her diagram for the problem.

She concluded that \(2552 \div 12\) is \(211\) with a remainder of \(20\).

 

Both Kaleb and Mabel are mathematically correct, but their teacher pointed out that most people would expect an answer with smaller remainders: both \(1100\) and \(20\) would likely be considered strange remainders for a problem about division by twelve. She also showed Kaleb and Mabel the answer to the problem that is printed in the textbook.

\(2552 \div 12 = 212 R 8\)

How could Kaleb and Mabel each continue work on their diagrams to have this textbook answer appear?

 

 

Please join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter and kindly share this page using the buttons below.
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter

Resources

resources

Books

Take your understanding to the next level with easy to understand books by James Tanton.

BROWSE BOOKSarrow

resources

Guides & Solutions

Dive deeper into key topics through detailed, easy to follow guides and solution sets.

BROWSE GUIDESarrow

light bulb

Donations

Consider supporting G'Day Math! with a donation, of any amount.

Your support is so much appreciated and enables the continued creation of great course content. Thanks!

heart

Ready to Help?

Donations can be made via PayPal and major credit cards. A PayPal account is not required. Many thanks!

DONATEarrow