MathPlus's definitions

The Model Method

Also known as “Singapore model method,” “bar model method,” or “bar modeling.” A problem-solving visualization strategy whereby the problem solver makes use of rectangles or bars to draw a model diagram to represent how the known and unknown quantities in a given problem situation are related, using a part-whole or comparison model.

Using the model method to solve a word problem involving fraction, ratio, or percentage allows the mind’s eye to better grasp the problem situation by making tacit knowledge more explicit or visible—it’s like a “look-see” proof to a problem for kids.

by MathPlus October 5, 2021

Pythagorean Diet

When math geeks tell others that they eat or use zero animal products like honey, seafood, egg and diary, fish, and meat—named after Pythagoras, the Greek vegetarian mathematician-turned-numerologist.

Alt-right Trumpists and QAnonists never fail to remind each other that Adolf Hitler adhered strictly to a Pythagorean diet during his years-old tyrannical rule, unlike their Insurrectionist-in-Chief boss, who occasionally craves for junk food.

by MathPlus March 4, 2021

Voodoo Math

Also known as “Haiti Math”—voodoo is an unofficial religion practiced in Haiti. Math word problems that use zombies or monsters as their characters to teach dark problem solving.

An example of a grade two voodoo math question is: “The line graph shows the weekly number of zombies that were caught by the police during the six-week nationwide lockdown. Use the diagram to answer the following questions.

a) How many more zombies were caught in April than in May?
b) If the zombies were able to bite a victim before they were caught, what is the least number of zombie bites that took place during the entire lockdown?”

by MathPlus May 12, 2021

Prime Goal

When the goal in a game is scored at the pth minute, where p is a prime number.

In a 90-minute soccer match, how many possible prime goals are there?

by MathPlus April 25, 2021