songsparrow Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 A question for the math teachers/professors/lovers that frequent the board: What do you think of the lattice method of multiplication? In ps, both of my daughters were introduced to both the lattice method of multiplication and to the standard algorithm for multiplication. Both of them love the lattice method and prefer to use it. I have noticed, though, that although they are both very strong in mental math for addition and subtraction, they do not do well with mental math for multiplication. I think that's because you can't really do lattice method mentally, but you can do the standard algorithm for multiplication mentally. I am considering requiring them to do standard algorithm (which they both will do grudgingly). What do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I hate lattice from the little I've seen of it. I don't see how it's generalizable to polynomial multiplication for instance, whereas the traditional algorithm is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 What Dana said. Lattice multiplication adds steps which are hard to do in a mental spread sheet. I don't know. I tend to view this sort of thing as a cute party trick, but maybe the traditional algorithm is just too ingrained in my soul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunnyDays Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I'm not an expert, etc. I think it's insane. :iagree: What Wendy said. Perhaps in a parallel universe it would make sense to me, but not this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 Lattice multiplication? Shudder! Fun trick, but works with numbers only - what does one do in algebra when the things that need to be multiplied are polynomials containing symbols? I would definitely insist on the standard algorithm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heathermomster Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 DS is gifted with dyscalculia. For pure multiplication requiring an accurate answer, meaning let's torture a maths disabled child with multiplication of a 4 digit by 4 digit number, lattice multiplication is great. He prefers to decompose numbers and use the distributive property whenever possible though. I've never considered teaching polynomial multiplication using the lattice method. For performing polynomial multiplication, area model of multiplication is terrific. The area model is simply a visual method of the distributive property of multiplication. Do what works for your student and be thankful that your child doesn't rely upon this type of math. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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