Why do we have to learn basic facts?

Edward C. Rathmell
University of Northern Iowa

Each of the four basic operations has a set of facts that must be learned if children are going to be able to use those operations with larger numbers. For example, to add 357 + 298, students simply add 7 + 8, 5 + 9 and remember to add the carry number, and 3 + 2 with the carry number. Knowing the basic facts enables students to solve computation problems with larger numbers to compute mentally, and to estimate. These are skills, especially mental mathematics and estimation, are needed for students to become a productive member of society. In fact, we want students to be fluent enough and flexible enough in using these mental and estimation strategies that they actually will take the time to use them in everyday situations. If it takes a person more than just a few seconds to solve a basic fact, that person will probably not take the time to use that fact for mental math or estimation.

Children, who learn to use basic facts thinking strategies for mental mathematics and estimation, are the ones who are most likely to develop good number sense and to understand computation of all types, including paper-and-pencil computation. Furthermore, these children have positive attitudes about learning mathematics and have confidence that they can make sense with numbers. It is important to know note that rote memorization of the basic facts does not lead to the same flexibility and fluency with larger numbers. In fact, students who struggle to rotely memorize the basic facts are the most likely to struggle in making sense with numbers and they are most likely to lack confidence in their abilities to be successful in mathematical situations. Understanding various thinking strategies for basic facts is an important component of children's learning that helps them understand numbers and make this giant step towards making sense with numbers.

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