Original Site Title: Appetizers and Lessons for Mathematics and Reason, June 1995 to April 2012. New site title:
Logic and Mathematics Skill & Concept Building Site Map || Français: 26 pages
for college students, gifted teens, home-tutoring and K1-12 schooling, with chapters on Logic
and Pattern Based Reason to inform and amuse thinkers and avid readers, studying or not. Enjoy.

Logic mastery strengthens comprehension and improve home, work & study habits.
Logic 5 Chapters Arithmetic 10 Steps Algebra 12 Starter Steps & 5 Advanced Steps
Work & Study 23 Tips Geometry 15 Steps Calculus 70 Lessons

Ages 15+: Why study slopes Polynomials Quadratics Why factor polynomials Logarithms Functions
What is similarity Euclidean geometry leanly Coordinates + complex no.s Vectors DC Electric Circuits

Ages 12+: Prime factorization Written work formats Decimal place value Extend arithmetic skills orally
What is a variable 5. Fraction Operations by Raising Terms Solving Linear Equations: Take I Take II


Online Volumes: 1 - Elements of Reason, 2 - 3 Skills For Algebra, 3 - Why Slopes and
More Math
, 1A - Pattern Based Reason, 1B - Skill Development Principles + Troubles
Forewords + leading chapters give original reasons, still valid, for site content & growth.

About: Site material shows how common troubles stem from steps too large or missing. Site material may develop critical thinking, improve reading and writing, and build mathematics and pattern based reasoning skills. Online Volumes 1, 1A and 2 give avid readers in school and out the best places to begin. If one site element is not to your liking, try another. Each is different. Many are unique

Teachers & Tutors: This December 2011, 5-phase framework offers a context for mathematics & logic education. Phases 1 to 3 may focus on skills with actual or potential local value for adult & daily life. College-oriented phases 5 & 4 focus on calculus & preparation for it. Phases 1 to 4 may also serve trades & professions not dependent on calculus. Reform: look before you leap - plan all in detail first.

Site Review: Math resources ... span ... arithmetic, logic, algebra, calculus, complex numbers, and Euclidean geometry. Lessons and how-tos .... provide a good foundation for high school and college ... mathematics. Read more.

Home < Arithmetic and Number Theory Skills << arithmetic videos - Real Player Format

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]


Arithmetic Videos

Arithmetic Videos - Real Player Format

Four Groups of Videos follow. 

For quicker results, Start with fraction videos first and cover the others as needed.

  1. Primes, How to Recognize Them. Extras include statement and justification of rules for division by 2, 3, 5, 9 and 11, and the calculation of remainders for division by 2, 3, 5, 9 and 11.


  2. Fractions, Operations With. Addition, Multiplication and Reduction (Simplification) using primes, LCM, GCD. Euclid's Algorithm for computing the GCD of a pair of whole numbers provides a method for simplifying fractions, quickly without using prime decomposition of numerators and denominators.

  3. Greatest Common Divisors, Calculation using Primes or Euclid Algorithm.


  4. Least Common Multiples, Calculation using Primes or Greatest Common Divisor


Pen and pencil arithmetic skills is a must for algebra and a plus for the use of arithmetic in daily life.

Recognizing Primes

Primes may be used in simplifying expressions involving fractions and square roots. See the calculation of GCDs and LCMs below. 

  1. [Play Video] 5 minutes - A Times Table (10 x 10) and how a number is not prime (composite) if it is in the interior of the table, that is if it is a product of smaller natural numbers. Some where in here is a Definition for Primes. A Natural number is composite if it is not prime.
  2. [Play Video] 9½ minutes - Digit- Based Rules for recognizing divisibility by the divisors 2, 3, 5, 9, 10 and 11 or  calculating the remainders on division by these divisors. These rules follow from  10 = 0 mod 2 or 5, and 10 = 1 mod 3 or 9, and 10 = -1 mod 11Exercise: (1) Use  100 = 2 mod 49 to develop a digit-based rule for division by 49 or 7. (2) Give digit-based rules for division by 2, 3,5, 7, 11 and 13 that apply to the hexadecimal representation of whole numbers.
  3. Square Root Rule: A number N is prime if it is not divisible by all primes p whose square p2 is less than or equal to N.  On the other hand if a number N is not prime, it will be divisible by a prime p with p2 less than N+1. With a calculator, the best bet is check where all primes p < sqrt(N) starting with the smallest.  Here if N = Mq where all primes < p are not divisor of the prime N then all primes < p will not be divisors of M. With the aid of a calculators and rules for divisibility by 2,3, 5, and 11, you can quickly get the prime decomposition of a whole number N.
  4. [Play Video] 10 minutes - Recognizing Primes in the interval to 100 by eliminating all numbers that are multiples of primes < 11 = the first prime with square 112 = 121 > 100. (The Sieve of Erasothenes)

    If a first number N is a product of two factors, the square of the  larger factor will be greater than or equal  to the first number, and the square of the smaller will be less than or equal the first number N. So if the first number N can be factored, there will be a divisor, the smallest factor in a product with square < the first number N. That in turn implies there will be a prime <  the smallest factor which divides N and whose square is  <  N. From the study of logic (the contrapositive of an implication rule), if all primes with square < N do not divide N, N cannot be written as a product of factors - natural numbers smaller than N.
  5. [Play Video] 2½  minutes -  Prime Factorizations (also called decomposition) for numbers in the interval 2 to 15.
  6. [Play Video] 3     minutes - Prime Factorizations  for numbers in the interval 16 to 30.
  7. [Play Video] 4½  minutes - Prime Factorizations for numbers in the interval 31 to 49.
  8. [Play Video] 4     minutes - Prime Factorizations  for numbers in the interval 50 to 66. Note: 51 = 3 x 17 is not prime as stated in video. Oops.
  9. [Play Video] 5½  minutes - Prime Factorizations for numbers in the interval 67 to 82.
    Note: 76 = 2 x 38 = 2 x 2 x 19. Video shows 17 instead of 19. Oops
  10. [Play Video] 5½  minutes -  Prime Factorizations  for numbers in the interval 83 to 100.
    Note: 90 = 6 x 15 = 2 x 3 x 3 x 5 = 2 32 5 Video write 4 x 15 instead of 6 x 15. Oops

Operations with Fractions

Start here if you wish and refer to methods for obtaining  Prime Factorization, GCDs, LCDs as needed.

  1. [Play Video] 3-4 minutes. Equivalent fractions - Lowering and raising terms (the values of numerators and denominators) to obtain equivalent fractions. Simplification involves lowering terms - cancelling common factors or divisors on top and bottom. Addition & subtraction of fractions may involve raising terms to obtain a common denominators. See below.
  2. [Play Video] 2-3 minutes A few examples of Simplifying Fractions - lowering terms by canceling common factors until there are no more common factors, so that the numerator and denominator are relatively prime, that is there prime decompositions have no primes in common.
  3. [Play Video] 2-3 minutes. Multiplying Fractions with  cancellation of  common factors done first (recommended) or not, with more simplification to be done later.
  4. [Play Video] 5 minutes. How to add fractions using common denominators. Here the common dominators is the lowest or least common denominator (LCD) and its given by the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators in the fractions added together.  Here the listing multiples method is used to compute the LCM. The alternative of not using the LCD for the fractions is explored to show what happens when the LCD is not used.
  5. [Play Video] 3 minutes  Another example of how to add fractions with and without the least common denominators with an explanation that not using the LCD (least common denominator)  leads to ratios that can be simplified. So use of LCDs is promoted.
  6. [Play Video] 3 minutes - Comparison of Fractions Size or Magnitude, and more examples of the use of common denominators in addition and subtraction.
  7. [Play Video] 3 minutes - Another example of the listing multiples method to find the LCM and thus the LCD for the sum of two fractions.
  8. [Play Video] 4 minutes - Factorization method to obtain  a common denominator, here the LCM and thus the LCD for the sum of two fractions. See if you can recognize the GCD of the denominators here. It is not mentioned here. In this example,  the LCD is given by a product that does not have to be evaluated explicity due to cancellation of common terms after addition of fractions.
  9. [Play Video] 2 minutes - Fraction Simplification using Prime Decomposition (factorization) to identify common factors for  cancellations.
  10. [Play Video] 5 minutes - Product Simplification using Prime Decomposition by Canceling Common Primes, thus avoiding some denominator and numerator multiplication. An alternative common factors as they appear, more opportunistic, is given and is to be recommended.
  11. [Play Video] 5 minutes - How to use Prime Factorization or Decomposition for LCM and LCD for a pair of denominators, an example.

The simplification, multiplication and addition of Fractions may depend on recognition and cancellation of common factors, prime or not. See how GCDs and LCMs (or LCDs) may be used in the addition and multiplication of fractions.

Greatest Common Divisors

See how to compute greatest common divisors with and without the use of prime factorizations.

  1. [Play Video] 7 minutes. Finding All Divisors of a Natural number from its Prime Factorization/Decomposition
  2. [Play Video] 6 minutes. Computing GCD for pairs of Natural Numbers from their Prime Factorizations /Decompositions)
  3. [Play Video] 2½ minutes Computing GCD  from  Prime Factorizations /Decompositions, another example.
  4. [Play Video] 3 minutes. Computing GCDs using Primes, yet another example.
  5. [Play Video] 6½ minutes. Euclid Algorithm computes GCDs not using Prime Factorization.
  6. [Play Video] 3 minutes. Another Euclid Algorithm GCD example  with result confirmed using Prime Decomposition.
  7. [Play Video] 1½ minutes. Two numbers are relatively prime  when and only when they have GCD =1 when and only when the numbers have no prime divisors in common. Euclid algorithm leads to a quick identification of relatively prime whole numbers in the numerators and denominators of fractions by themselves or products.
    .
  8. [Play Video] 4 minutes. Two Ways to Find the GCD of a pair of numbers. Both lead to the same result.

Euclid's algorithm provides a means to compute the GCD without mentioning prime factorization. The latter is best for computations with large numbers - numbers for which the prime factorization is not immediately obvious. Euclid algorithm can be implemented on calculator.

Least Common Multiples

For a pair of denominators, the greatest common dominator is given by their least common multiple.

  1. [Play Video] 2¼ minutes.  Common Multiples and Least Common Multiples for a par of natural numbers,  finding by listing mutliples of first and second number - the list method.
  2. [Play Video]2¼ minutes.   Least Common Multiple for a pair of Natural numbers from Prime factorizations of each, and then by list method.
  3. [Play Video]1 minute. Least Common Multiple for a pair of Natural numbers by computing the GCD divisor with the aid of Prime Factorization of each.
  4. [Play Video] 4 minutes. Least Common Multiple for a pair of Natural numbers by computing the GCD divisor with the aid of Euclid's Algorithm, 1st Example.
  5. [Play Video] 3 minutes. Least Common Multiple for a pair of Natural numbers by computing the GCD divisor with the aid of Euclid's Algorithm,  2nd Example. Note use of calculator.
Secondary Mathematics for Ages 11+, A Practical Approach for home-tutoring or -schooling, or for schools & colleges with local curriculum control. Study how to include site content - its skill development how-TOs and innovations into present or future lesson plans - some reading required.

Road Safety Messages and Questions: When and why should you face traffic when walking along a road or cycle path? Is it a good idea to hang limbs outside of cars etc? What gives more protection in a crash: a car, motorbike or bicycle? See too, the BBC-Belgium story Texting and Driving - texting & the impossible test - the article links to a gruesome utube video on the subject

The Logic of Injustice: How Texas sent an innocent man to his death - The wrong Carlos. Some judgments are irreversible. Procescution: Where and when prosectors play to win rather than for justice, guilt beyond a reasonable doubt goes unrespected due to prosecutors who putting winning first, those innocence before the law may be convicted. Some procescutors offices in continuing to accuse after a pardon due to reasonable doubt or innocent being shown, may sucessfully oppose compensaton for false convictions by asserting a pardon individual is still under suspicion. Then the pardoned individual or the latter's estate is not compensation for years or decade of improper or false imprisonment, or for execution. Site chapters on Logic
and some in Pattern Based Reason may slowly lead to greater precision in reading, applying and writing laws.

May 2012, Composition Starting: Pre-School and Primary Mathematics - Quantitative Skills, An Intellectual View, Feedback Welcome:

The 8 Most Popular Site Inlinks

20 Times Table - the most popular site page - popular pages - unexpected.
Fractions & Ratios - with lesson on raising terms to introduce & justify times, division & comparison as well addition & subtraction
Parent Center - See below
Volume 1, Elements of Reason - Intro to all site books.
What is a Variable - best for ages 13+
Written work formats for Arithmetic and Algebra - a skill method and standard!
Complex Numbers Visually - best for ages 13+
Natural Logs, Exponentials, Powers, Roots

Division of Labour: This site offers advice and directions with pointers to resources elsewhere, if known, when they help or lessen the need to write more.

Parent Center: Help your child or teen learn:

Parent-friendly Work Booklets for ages 3+ to 13 Use these or others to check or build skills. Other booklets are available but these booklets allow parents unsure of themselves in mathematics to help their children. The selection acquired in Canada is published in the USA. So it has a US orientation. In retrospect, the selection shows parents what to check with the booklets or by other ways, the choice is theirs. But in retrospect, the selection does not cover integral and fractions liquid weights and measures - ask the publishers to correct that! For ages 9 to 12 say, parents may compensate by showing boys and girls how to use weights or mass, and further measures in food preparation. Beyond that children may be shown how to measure and calculate angles, lengths and areas [proportional amounts too] directly or by using maps and plans drawns to scale. Learning how to gather and measure all the ingredients, pots and pans for a dish or a meal, along with cleaning up sets the stage for like activities or experiments in science courses, and in developing organizational skills, gives boys and girls a head start. Good luck. At the other extreme, more comprehensive than light, if your motto is McCainian: drill, drill, drill then Toronto mathematician and actor John Mighton's jump math organization has jump math workbooks for at least grades 3 to 8 for at-home and in-school use - training sessions for teachers available. Jump math has been expanding to cover older students. Jump Math Samples: plus Fractions for Grades 3-4 & Grades 5-6 [Read] Free Resources grades 1 to 8 [unread - likely to be good]. and

Mathematics Skills For Ages 3 to 14 - technical!

Skills with take home value - A few ideas

Basic skills include time-date-calendar Matters; money matters; map, plan and scale diagram matters;counting, measuring and figuring; decision making with logic and likelyhood; being careful and being aware of the domino effect of mistakes; reading and writing with precision.

Is your child able to add, subtract and multiply amounts of money, work with fractions, work with clocks and calendars, work with maps and plans, and measure length, weight-mass and volume? Schools may promote your son or daughter without providing basic skills in reading, writing and arithmetic.

Arithmetic and Number Theory Skills

Algebra Starter Lessons

1 Working With Sets
2 Formula Forward Use - Evaluation
3 Solving Linear Equations - Skip first step with students able to solve 1 eqn in 1 unknown.
4 Computation Rules and Function Notation
5 Real Numbers
6 More Less Greater Than Inequalities and Comparison
7 Axioms Logic and Equivalent Equations
8 Unifying Theme For Algebra
9 Proportionality Backwards and Forwards
10 Examples of Algebraic Reasoning
A Origins of Counting and Figuring Methods
B Real Numbers Extrinsic Development


Site coverage of formuala evaluation format, of computation rules and axioms, and of the forward and backward use of formulas and proportionality relations lessens the amount of natural talent needed to understand and explain algebra.

Geometry - maps plans trigonometry vectors

1 Maps Plans Measurement
2 Euclidean Geometry - Constructions + extras
3 Cartesian and Polar Coordinates
4 Lines and Slopes Take 1
5 What is Similarity
6 Trigonometry first steps
7 Complex Numbers
8 Unit-Circle Trigonometry
9 Lines and Slopes Take 2 with tangent function
10 Intersecting Straight Lines and Transversals
11 Parallel Straight Lines and Transversals
12 Function Translating and Rescaling
13 Vectors
14 Degrees to Radians and Radians to Degrees
15 Arc or Inverse Trigonometric Function

Pre-Teen and young teen mastery of skills and practices which should be common with map-plans-diagrams drawn to scale, contour interpretation included, has actual or potential take-home value for daily- and adult-life in solving routine problems. Elevating some practices to principles, axioms or postualates, provides a base for analytic and Euclidean geometry, an analytic view of similarity, and an efficient mastery of trigonometry and complex numbers. Right triangle trigonometry provide an analytic alternative to solving geometric problems by drawing diagrams to scale.

More Algebra

Natural-Logarithms Exponentials Powers Roots
Five Polynomial Operations
Quadratics Geometrically
Functions
5 Factored Polynomial Sign Analysis Examples
Rewriting algebraic substitution as function substitutions

The first topic leads to a full high school level theory for the forward and backward mastery of growth and decay models and for definition, range and domains of radicals, roots and powers. The next two topics make quadratics and polynomials easier to learn and teach. Site coverage of functions turns vertical and horizontal line rules into computation methods for evaluating functions.

70 Calculus Starter Lessons

Calculus Lessons Elsewhere:

  1. How to Ace Calculus: Street Wise Guide - Mostly Text.

  2. Flash Video for Calculus Phobics

They cover basic topics in ways likely to complement your notes, your textbooks and site material. When Goldilocks trespassed in the house of the three bears, she found three bowls of porridge, two not to her liking, and one just right. Different bears have different tastes. As invited guest here and elsewhere, if one or more explanations is not to liking, try another. It may be better or just right.

Unsolicited Advice

Learning to do and high marks if it comes to easy is often deceptive - light rather than deep. For that reason, students with learning difficulties determined not to let it get in their way may go deeper and farther than those with none. High marks, if the come easy, may be deceptive - provide a too light and not a deep mastery. That could have been your problem in secondary school, one that leads to comprehension shock or difficulties in calculus and more generally in the first year of college. Bon Appetite.


Return to Page Top

Home < Arithmetic and Number Theory Skills << arithmetic videos - Real Player Format

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]


Logic-Reason for all
Careful Thinking
Chains of Reason
Mathematical Induction
Responsibility
Bodies-of-Knowledge

Arithmetic - Ages 10+
1. Deciml Place Value - fun
2. Decimals for Tutors
3. Prime Factors - quickly
4. Fractions + Ratios
5. Arith with units - science

Geometry
1 Maps + Plans Use
2 Euclidean Geometry
3 Rct +Polr Coordinates
4 Lines-Slopes [I]
5. What is Similarity
Algebra Starters - the base
1. Better Work Format
2. Solve Linear Eqns
3. Computation Rules
4. Axioms, Item 3 Viewpnt
5. Formulas Backwards
More Algebra
Logarithms-ax & m/nth roots
Five Polynomial Operations
Quadratics Geometrically
Functions || Vectors too
Arith. Skill Check+Answers
Calculus Prep/Preview
What is a Variable
Why study slopes
Why factor polynomials
Complex Numbers
Limits + Continuity

All trademarks and copyrights in this are owned by their respective owners.
Copyright to comments & contributions are owned by the Poster.
The Rest © 1995-2011, by site author, Alan Selby, Ph. D., Montreal,
All Rights Reserved --- Skype or Email to contact.