I don’t believe I did that…

[mrw372435]

I sent my son to school today with a note stating that his math homework was not completed because he asked me for help and I had no clue what to tell him

Comments

[pwned_kisa]

The number in the one's column is a five as was stated. The number in the thousand's column is one more than the number in the one's column: One plus five is six. That would make six thousand. The number in the hundred's column is a seven as was stated. The number in the ten's column is the same as the hundred's column: seven.

It's absurd that they're making a third grader do that, and I feel for you having to say that to him.

[mrw372435]

Well of course that's how it works...how else would it work? *sigh* I don't get math. I really don't.

[pwned_kisa]

It's easier for me to just think of it as a logical problem that requires an essay answer than any sort of math. But... **shrugs**

[tygrkatt]

I'm with you Mis, I see the clues, I see how the clues get to 6775. If they'd given those clues and asked what the number is, I'd have had no problem, but just "explain?" Explain what? I don't understand what they're looking for as an answer.

[dodging_fate]

Last year when Laurel was in 5th grade that happened repeatedly with us. Now, if she was given more than just a worksheet, but maybe had a book or acutal examples/instructions on how to do it (because it's *not* done the same way it was when we were in school!!!) then I *migh* be of more help... but since the teachers won't give me the tools I need to do my job, then they'll have to do more of their own, heh!

[mrw372435]

That's my thought at this point - my job is not to teach my son advanced mathematics. I am not qualified to teach advanced mathematics to anyone. So either the kid brings home more detailed instructions (like a textbook) or the teacher actually explains things.

[dodging_fate]

*nods nods*

I asked repeatedly that instructions be sent home with the worksheets (I think my daughters' district has all but given up on text books... much the pity...) and I insisted that if I sent in a note she not be penalized for work she couldn't figure out (I made her agonize over it for hours anyway... not that it did much good) but rather be scheduled for after school help.

[mrw372435]

because of the custody situation I can't do anything about after-school help. My son has to go to the daycare center on the provided bus because no one can come get him until 5:30-ish. Staying after is not an option. He did go in with a note stapled to his worksheet stating that neither he, I, nor his grandfather had any idea what was being asked for. We'll see how that goes. If I get an angry call from my ex tonight, then it didn't go well.

[glitteringlynx]

The following statements give you the number 6775.
1) The number in the ones column is a 5
2) The number in the thousands column is one more than the number in the ones column
3) The number in the hundreds column is a 7
4) The number in the tens column is the same as the hundreds column.

Explain:________________________________________________________

Well, this is really more a logic problem than a math problem.

ones column = 5

Thousands column = ones column + 1
= 5 + 1
= 6

Hundreds column = 7

Tens column = hundreds column
= 7

therefore, the number is 6775

[glitteringlynx]

Mind you, I don't nkow if this is what they're looking for, but it's how I'd explain the problem. Math just needs to be broken up into basic basic steps to be understood.

I think the teacher just watns to show you understand why you got the answer, not simply that you got the answer. Ergo, your parents didn't just say "the answer is 6775" and leave you confused for test time.

[dr_zrfq]

He's also learned another lesson -- that sometimes, the things you get asked to do are really *stupid*, and too often the specifications are vague and/or incomplete.