Math Mammoth Add & Subtract 2-B

Math Mammoth Add & Subtract 2-B is a continuation to the book Math Mammoth Add & Subtract 2-A. The goal of this book is to study addition and subtraction within 0-100, both mentally and in columns, especially concentrating on regrouping in addition (carrying) and in subtraction (borrowing).

Mental math is important because it builds number sense. This book includes many lessons that practice mental math. For example, the child practices adding and subtracting two-digit numbers when one of the numbers is a whole ten (such as 30 + 14 or 66 − 20).

The students also learn to solve sums such as 36 + 8 or 45 + 9 with mental math (there is a regrouping), comparing them to the sums 6 + 8 and 5 + 9. Since 6 + 8 fills the first ten and is four more than the next ten, the sum 36 + 8 fills the next whole ten (40), and is four more than that, or 44.

At the same time, students also learn to add two-digit numbers with regrouping. This is explained in detail with the help of visual models (base-ten blocks). You are welcome to use actual physical manipulatives, if you prefer. The main concept to understand is that 10 ones are regrouped to form a new ten, and this new ten is written using a little "1" in the tens column.

After addition, the lessons focus on column subtraction, initially without regrouping and then with regrouping.

The lesson Regrouping practices breaking down a ten into 10 ones. It is crucial that the child understands what happens here. Otherwise, they might end up only memorizing the procedure, and will probably at some point misremember how it was done. If you notice that the child does not understand the concept of regrouping, provide more practice with concrete manipulatives or visual exercises before proceeding.

After learning regrouping, students practice mental subtraction in two separate lessons. One of them expounds on several methods for mental subtracting. The other is about Euclid's game-a fun game that also practices subtraction of two-digit numbers.