The problem with times tables
I’ve written before about the problem of innumeracy and about what problems this can cause for those who are maths illiterate. However the question still comes up on parenting forums “Is it really important for children to know their times tables?”
The following survey results show the problem;
In the UK:
A survey of 1,000 people over the age of 15 found that only 40% of those questioned could correctly answer a simple sum such as 8 x 9, but among the over-55’s in the survey, the number of correct answers rose to more than 60%
and
In the US
A survey of California Algebra I teachers report that 30% of their students do not know the multiplication tables.
So how important is learning the times tables to you and your family?
I want to find out what you, the Maths Insider readers think?
The first 100 people to answer the 2 minute Maths Insider Times Table Survey below, will be entered into a draw to win a $20 Amazon gift certificate.
- If you’re a subscriber reading this in your inbox, you may have to click through to the post to fill the survey
- The deadline is Friday 13th May 2011
- Don’t forget to enter your email to be included in the draw
- Use the scroll bar to view all the questions
Thanks in advance for completing the survey!
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It is every imp to learn table, but the concept is not implemented in US, hope things will change …