The struggle is real. No matter your accomplishments, facing a sixth-grade math worksheet can leave you feeling defeated. Surely, we learned this material at some point, right? It’s possible that this knowledge was once tucked away in my brain, only to be overshadowed by my ability to recite every line from that classic sitcom.
I take great joy in watching my daughter thrive in math. She seems to grasp the concepts well, likely due to the quality of her instruction—and her teacher’s approach. I can’t help but think that if I’d had a supportive educator like Mr. Thompson instead of the intimidating Sister Mary, I might still remember the distributive property.
A few thoughts come to mind: first, no one should ever say “You won’t need this knowledge in real life” in front of a student. In fact, to inspire more kids to pursue math and science, we should consider swapping out talent shows on television for math competitions. After all, the sheer number of seasons of various singing shows suggests that while many can sing, the music industry is indeed facing challenges.
The math problems below may seem daunting at first, but once you overcome your fear of them—or figure out what x or y represents—you might find them manageable. For instance, my colleague Sarah solved them in just 20 minutes, earning her a spot as my go-to math partner at any future retreats. However, after a long day filled with responsibilities, when all you want is to unwind, it’s perfectly natural to wish for a child who can tackle the homework independently. If not, you might find yourself reaching out to Mr. Thompson for some extra help.
We all hope to glance at our children’s homework and think, “Good luck with that.” But, since that’s not always feasible, perhaps we could use a quick refresher. Test yourself with my daughter’s homework below. If you find yourself struggling, it might be time to consider tutoring. I assure you, I won’t be wielding any rulers.
Definition:
The Distributive Property is …
When would you use the distributive property?
- a. 5 (x-8) = 15
- b. 12 + 3 (n+2) = 27
- c. -4(x+3) = 8
- d. 1/2(x-14) = 3
- e. 4 + 2 (1 + x) = 12
Answers:
- a. x=11;
- b. n=3;
- c. x= -5;
- d. x=20;
- e. x=3
This article was originally published on Feb. 19, 2015. If you’re interested in more parenting insights, consider checking out our article on home insemination kits, which can be found here.
In summary, engaging with your child’s math homework can be a source of frustration or an opportunity for connection. By utilizing available resources, such as this informative guide on pregnancy and home insemination or learning from experts like those at Make A Mom, you can foster a supportive environment for learning.