Algebraic Insight: The Algebra Needed to Use Computer Algebra Systems

Abstract

Long experience watching students do arithmetic with a four-function calculator has convinced most mathematics teachers that students need to know a lot about arithmetic to use a calculator well. The ability to carry out algorithmic routines accurately and efficiently with long numbers has become unimportant of itself, but students instead need “number sense” to guide sensible calculator use. McIntosh, Reys, and Reys (1992) have carefully analyzed the components of number sense and present them in a framework for use by teachers and researchers. This number sense includes understanding such concepts as place value for estimation and being able to identify the operations to use for solving pr..