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Arithmetical word problems: Thinking in the head versus thinking on the table

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Abstract

The paper presents an alternative explanation for the pattern of relative difficulty of arithmetical word problems to that suggested by Riley et al. (1983). Their view is based on the assumption that all symbolic manipulations take place internally. It is argued that for many problems much of the manipulation is accomplished externally.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education, La Trobe University, 3083, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

    Peter E. Langford

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  1. Peter E. Langford
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Langford, P.E. Arithmetical word problems: Thinking in the head versus thinking on the table. Educ Stud Math 17, 193–199 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00311520

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00311520

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