Activities to Teach Students to Divide 2-Digit Numbers by 1-Digit Numbers Using Arrays
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Multiplication and division are both important concepts in mathematics that help students understand numbers and how they relate to each other. When it comes to dividing two-digit numbers by one-digit numbers, arrays are an excellent tool for visualizing and understanding the process. In this article, we will discuss some activities that teachers can use to teach students how to divide two-digit numbers by one-digit numbers using arrays.
1. Introduction to Arrays:
Before diving into the division process, it is important to introduce students to arrays. An array is a way of organizing numbers in rows and columns. Start by drawing an array on the board, with one column and two rows. Ask students to tell you how many total boxes there are in the array. They should answer two. Then, ask how many boxes are in each row. They should answer one. This is a simple introduction to arrays that will come in handy in later activities.
2. Using Arrays to Divide:
Once students understand how arrays work, it’s time to start teaching them how to divide using arrays. Draw an array with three columns and two rows on the board. Write the number 12 in the first row and the number 3 in the second row. Ask students how many boxes there are in the array, and how many boxes are in each row. Then, ask them to tell you how many times 3 goes into 12. They should answer 4. Show them how to use the array to visualize the problem: circle the first row and draw an arrow to the second row, indicating that one group of 3 is subtracted from 12. Repeat this process three more times until all 12 boxes are circled.
3. Expanded Division:
Once students understand the basics of using arrays to divide, challenge them with a more complicated problem. Draw an array with four columns and two rows on the board. Write the number 24 in the first row and the number 3 in the second row. Ask students to tell you how many times 3 goes into 24. They should answer 8. Show them how to use the array to visualize the problem by circling all the boxes in the first row, then drawing arrows to each box in the second row until all 24 boxes are circled.
4. Real-Life Examples:
To make the concept of dividing using arrays more relatable to real-life situations, ask students to imagine a pizza that needs to be divided between a certain number of people. Draw an array on the board with one column and the number of rows representing the number of people. For example, if there are six people, draw an array with six rows. Then, write the total number of slices in the first row and ask students how many slices each person should get. Use the array to divide the slices evenly.
5. Interactive Games:
To keep students engaged and excited about learning, incorporate interactive games into your lessons. Online games and activities that use arrays to teach division can be a fun way for students to practice their skills and learn in a way that feels more like play than work.
Dividing two-digit numbers by one-digit numbers using arrays can be a challenging concept for young learners. With the help of these activities, however, teachers can make the process more visual and engaging, helping students understand the concept and achieve success in mathematics.