Standard algorithms

Similar methods also exist for procedures such as square root and even more sophisticated functions, but have fallen out of the general mathematics curriculum in favor of calculators (or tables and slide rules before them).

In this process, a maximum digit approaches the virtual product (Leung,[5] 2006), which must be less than the dividend's leading place values.

Many first editions of textbooks written to the original 1989 standard such as TERC deliberately discouraged teaching of any particular method, instead devoting class and homework time to the solving of nontrivial problems, which stimulate students to develop their own methods of calculation, rooted in number sense and place value.

This emphasis by no means excludes the learning of number facts; indeed, a major goal of early mathematical education is procedural fluency.

The NCTM in recent revisions has made more explicit this need for learning of basic math facts and correct, efficient methods.

However, the original guidelines continue to draw fire from well-meaning parents and community members, some of whom advocate a return to traditional mathematics.