Some people wonder why it makes sense to encourage students to invent their own computational algorithms, since students are unlikely to discover the standard algorithms on their own. The standard...

Some people wonder why it makes sense to encourage students to invent their own computational algorithms, since students are unlikely to discover the standard algorithms on their own. The standard algorithms, which are generally quick and efficient, were refined through centuries of invention and modification. Why not just teach the standard (traditional) algorithms directly to students? Answer this question in your journal—either agreeing or disagreeing that standard algorithms should be taught directly, and providing rationale for your position.

Consider the order in which the four operations have been introduced in this chapter. Do you think the order in which they are taught to students matters? Why or why not? Analyze and write about the relationship among the four operations. “Now that we have calculators, long-division algorithms should be abolished.” Write a convincing argument, pro or con.