More than One Way to Solve a Problem
Have you ever used the Egyptian method for large digit multiplication? How about the Mayan? Did you know there were different algorithms and methods for solving these types of problems? Fifth grade math students did some research and created displays on algorithms from around the world.
Students have been refining and improving their accuracy and efficiency with the United States standard algorithm
During our course of study, the Investigations curriculum asks the students to use at least two ways to solve multi digit multiplication problems. Many have relied on the box method. 
Because of this study of world algorithms, we have seen the students pick up more strategies to bring to their mathematical problem solving.


