Proportional Reasoning

Another way to introduce ratios: develop relative thinking

One of the most important things students need to understand to reason proportionally is the difference between comparing two quantities in relative (multiplicative) versus absolute (additive) terms.   Students often struggle with making the move to thinking multiplicatively. How can we begin to help them make this transition? The research suggests one way: Make the two …

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Proportional Reasoning: Absolute vs. Relative Thinking

As I’ve mentioned before, proportional reasoning is complicated.  Researchers refer to it as a “watershed” concept because of its role as both the capstone of K-8 mathematics and the cornerstone of high school mathematics. How do we begin to tackle such a complex concept? One of the most important things students need to understand in order …

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