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Latin American Subtraction Algorithm
Lisa Nix
Walden University
Dr. Mary Robinson, Instructor
MATH-6562G-1, Base Ten Number System & Operation: Addition/Subtraction
October 21, 2013
Latin American Subtraction Algorithm The Latin American subtraction algorithm is based on the fact that the difference between the two numbers does not change while adding the same amount to the minuend and subtrahend (Indiana University Southeast, n.d.). This algorithm appears to be one that requires precision to detail as it is different from the traditional subtraction algorithm the majority of students have been taught. Regardless of teacher preference, providing students with various strategies allows them to experience the diversity in problem solving and their chosen methods for producing a solution. The Latin American subtraction algorithm could cause confusion among students as they attempt to problem solve using this method. Students must remember that the number added to the minuend must also be added to the subtrahend (Laureate Education, 2013). The media clip “Latin American Subtraction” showed step by step how to solve 435-268 using the algorithm. One of the steps of this algorithm that can confuse students is that a ten was added to the 5 to create 15in the ones place, but a 1 was added to the 6 in 268 to make a 7 in the tens place. From observing the media clip, if a “1” is added to the minuend (top number) then it is considered adding ten, but if a “1” is added the subtrahend (bottom number) it is considered adding 1. Until students had a firm grasp and a solid foundation applying this method, there is much room for error. This algorithm does not require regrouping like the multi-digit problems presented in Week 5. Regrouping does not occur within this method because there is no need to “borrow” a hundred or ten and move it over to the tens or ones place. The top numbers are increasing by tens and the bottom numbers are increasing by ones. The
Lisa Nix
Walden University
Dr. Mary Robinson, Instructor
MATH-6562G-1, Base Ten Number System & Operation: Addition/Subtraction
October 21, 2013
Latin American Subtraction Algorithm The Latin American subtraction algorithm is based on the fact that the difference between the two numbers does not change while adding the same amount to the minuend and subtrahend (Indiana University Southeast, n.d.). This algorithm appears to be one that requires precision to detail as it is different from the traditional subtraction algorithm the majority of students have been taught. Regardless of teacher preference, providing students with various strategies allows them to experience the diversity in problem solving and their chosen methods for producing a solution. The Latin American subtraction algorithm could cause confusion among students as they attempt to problem solve using this method. Students must remember that the number added to the minuend must also be added to the subtrahend (Laureate Education, 2013). The media clip “Latin American Subtraction” showed step by step how to solve 435-268 using the algorithm. One of the steps of this algorithm that can confuse students is that a ten was added to the 5 to create 15in the ones place, but a 1 was added to the 6 in 268 to make a 7 in the tens place. From observing the media clip, if a “1” is added to the minuend (top number) then it is considered adding ten, but if a “1” is added the subtrahend (bottom number) it is considered adding 1. Until students had a firm grasp and a solid foundation applying this method, there is much room for error. This algorithm does not require regrouping like the multi-digit problems presented in Week 5. Regrouping does not occur within this method because there is no need to “borrow” a hundred or ten and move it over to the tens or ones place. The top numbers are increasing by tens and the bottom numbers are increasing by ones. The