Drawings of mathematical problems predict their resolution

Scientists show that our mental representations of mathematical problems influence our strategies for solving them. Drawing by a participant highlighting the cardinality of numbers by using sets of grouped elements (animals). This type of drawing is generally accompanied by a 3-step solution. Hippolyte Gros Solving arithmetic problems, even simple subtractions, involves mental representations whose influence remains to be clarified. Visualizing these representations would enable us to better understand our reasoning and adapt our teaching methods. A team from the University of Geneva , in collaboration with CY Cergy Paris University (CYU) and University of Burgundy (uB), analyzed drawings made by children and adults when solving simple problems. The scientists found that, whatever the age of the participant, the most effective calculation strategies were associated with certain drawing typologies.