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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1645-1651 |
Journal | Developmental Psychology |
Volume | 59 |
Issue number | 9 |
Early online date | Jul 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 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/dev0001585Keywords
- Relation to operands
- Mathematics
- Growth
- Arithmetic principles