Math books in bed, more practice, and a little code (Math Immersion Month Day 5)

I modified a little web app to compare two addition algorithms, I read some math books, and I finished 2nd grad math on Khan Academy, all while lying in bed feeling sick all day! My cold is getting worse, but my arithmetic is getting better. ;)

Yesterday Adam Liss wrote a comment pointing out that “5 + 7” is difficult for everyone and that it’s much easier if you break it down into “5 + 5 + 2” – why didn’t I think of that?! Haha, thanks Adam!

Inspired by that, I took this web app by Sarah Fisk and modified it to test if Adam’s suggestion would indeed speed up my mental addition.

The results:

  • “5 + 7” version (demo and code) – Questions answered in 1 minute: 39, 41, 44
  • “2 + 5 + 5” version (demo and code) – Questions answered in 1 minute: 45, 47, 51

Looks like Adam’s suggestion is measurably faster! I did notice one caveat, though: I should’ve switched up the order to make it more random. Maybe I’ll make version 2 tomorrow – or you can fork it and make your own! Let me know if you do.

Time breakdown

  • Video production time: 3 hours 25 min
    • Script writing/preparation: none
    • Filming/setup: 27 min
    • Video editing: 2 hours 44 min
    • Publishing: 14 min
  • Math study time: 2 hours 2 min
    • Practice problems: 1 hour 31 min
    • General research: 31 min
  • Playing with JavaScript math app: 1 hour 10 min

Credits