Number Lab

Interactive models of numbers and arithmetic

Copyright © 2010 by Dave Posner, All Rights Reserved.

Dave Posner (dposner@sbcglobal.net)

Abstract

Number Lab is a collection of virtual laboratories implemented as Java Applets for experimenting with systems that model numbers and arithmetic.  The motivating idea behind Number Lab is to introduce elementary school mathematics as a science, i.e. a theory developed to explain observable phenomena.  Thus the purpose of Number Lab is to provide observable systems whose explanation entails the development of elementary school arithmetic

Documentation

Power Point Slides from MAA 2010 San Francisco

Mathlets

Blocks Machine

Natural Number Robot Addition

Integer Robot Addition

Commutative Law for Addition

Pulley Multiplication

Negative Pulleys

Fractional Pulleys

Associative Law for Multiplication

Commutative Law for Multiplication

Left Side Distributive Law

Right Side Distributive Law

Common Multiples

Fraction Robot Compare

Fraction Wheel

Fraction Wheel Add

Decimal Machine

Decimal Place Value

Decimal Fraction

Base Conversion