Tips for Instruction

1. Identify when and where Roman numerals are commonly used.
   • on watches
   • for dates on official documents (e.g., education certificates and law documents)
   • to designate a similarly named person in successive generations (e.g., William III for William the Third)
2. Understand the concept of prime numbers.
   • A prime number cannot be divided evenly by any other number than one and itself.
   • Knowledge of prime numbers is very useful when working with fractions.
3. Common multiple:
   • a number that is a multiple of two or more numbers
   • For example, common multiples of 3 and 5 are 15, 30, 45, etc.
   • This means that these numbers can be divided by both 3 and 5.
   Least common multiple:
   • the smallest multiple (other than zero) that two or more numbers have in common
   • For example, the least common multiple of 3 and 5 is 15.
   • This means that the smallest number that both 3 and 5 can be divided into is 15.
   Common factor:
   • a number that is a factor of two or more numbers
   • For example, the number 15 has four factors: 1, 3, 5 and 15.
   • This means that if you multiply 1 X 15 or 3 X 5 you get 15.
   • The number 25 has three factors: 1, 5 and 25.
   • This means that if you multiply 1 X 25 or 5 X 5 you get 25.
   • The common factors that both 15 and 25 have are 1 and 5.
   Greatest common factor:
   • the largest factor that two or more numbers have in common
   • In the above example, the greatest common factor that both 15 and 25 have is 5.
4. Some cultures do not use symbols such as the common division signs used here in Canada. Also, some cultures reverse the use of the period (.) and the comma (,) in monetary representation. For example, in France and sometimes in Quebec $47.50 is written as 47,50.
5. Identify and use various strategies to aid in learning math skills.
   • Use computer programs or math websites.
   • Do math problems orally before putting them down on paper.
   • Use manipulatives (e.g., beans, blocks) to help in solving problems.
   • Photograph manipulatives (e.g., blocks, beans) at every step in solving a math problem.
   • Use prepared math fact sheets or flash cards.
   • Colour code each step of a math problem.
   • Tape record yourself describing how to solve a problem.
   • Create rhymes or songs.
   • Draw math concepts or make graphs or sketches to show thought processes.
   • Make math fact charts or flash cards.
6. Understand where and when the 24-hour clock is used.
   • in the military
   • for arrival and departure times (e.g., airplane flights and cruise ships)
   • for show times when purchasing tickets to events
   • in some foreign countries instead of the 12-hour clock (e.g., Switzerland, France)