> Computation is quite important to understanding a problem
Your "problems" are just equations. 3x = 2 is not a problem.
Here's a problem: you and a friend have 15 dollars and would like to enjoy a day at the movies. Movie tickets cost $7.50. Will you have any money to spend on concessions?
The equation that you'd hope a child would produce is something like 7.5 x 2 = 15. And 15-15=0. Ultimately, no there's no money left over for concessions. That's the skill we need to teach. After that whether or not they know how to _compute_ 7.5 x 2 isn't a big deal. Give them a calculator.
It's crazy how indoctrinated we all are thinking equations are problems and teaching kids how to compute is "learning math".
Your "problems" are just equations. 3x = 2 is not a problem.
Here's a problem: you and a friend have 15 dollars and would like to enjoy a day at the movies. Movie tickets cost $7.50. Will you have any money to spend on concessions?
The equation that you'd hope a child would produce is something like 7.5 x 2 = 15. And 15-15=0. Ultimately, no there's no money left over for concessions. That's the skill we need to teach. After that whether or not they know how to _compute_ 7.5 x 2 isn't a big deal. Give them a calculator.
It's crazy how indoctrinated we all are thinking equations are problems and teaching kids how to compute is "learning math".