The sums are larger than their natural number addends: Relation to operands understanding predicts growth in arithmetic/algebraic problem solving

Tin Yau Terry WONG, Kam Tai KWAN

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlespeer-review

Abstract

The relation to operands (RO) principles describe the relation between operands and answers in arithmetic problems (e.g., the sum is always larger than its positive addends). Despite being a fundamental property of arithmetic, its empirical relation with arithmetic/algebraic problem solving has seldom been investigated. The current longitudinal study aimed to address this issue. Two-hundred-and-two Chinese fifth graders (57% boys) were assessed on their RO understanding. Their arithmetic/algebraic problem solving were assessed multiple times over 2 years. Results from latent growth curve modeling showed that RO understanding predicted the growth in arithmetic/algebraic problem solving when other known predictors of arithmetic/algebraic problem solving were controlled. The findings highlight the role of RO understanding in children's mathematical development. Interventions should be developed to enhance children's RO understanding. Copyright © 2023 American Psychological Association.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1645-1651
JournalDevelopmental Psychology
Volume59
Issue number9
Early online dateJul 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2023

Citation

Wong, T. T.-Y., & Kwan, K.-T. (2023). The sums are larger than their natural number addends: Relation to operands understanding predicts growth in arithmetic/algebraic problem solving. Developmental Psychology, 59(9), 1645-1651. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001585

Keywords

  • Relation to operands
  • Mathematics
  • Growth
  • Arithmetic principles

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