Perform Math Operations

Perform Math Operations — PlayThinker

Operand A Operand B Operation

How to Play

Choose two operands and select an operation: addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Press Start to animate the vertical algorithm step by step. Pause or resume whenever you want to discuss each move.
Follow the main column setup while the helper panel explains carries, borrows, partial products, or repeated subtraction.
Rewind or pick new numbers to compare different scenarios (e.g., borrowing across multiple zeros, carrying multiple digits).

Knowledge Background

The game reinforces place value, column alignment, and the logic behind carrying/borrowing. Students see exactly why digits shift left, why we regroup tens, and how partial sums/products assemble the final answer.

Why This Helps Kids

Instead of memorizing procedures, learners watch each step animate with color cues and narration. This supports conceptual understanding, especially for students who need visual scaffolding.

Extensions & Teacher Tips

Pause after each animation to let students predict the next move.
Have learners narrate the reasoning (“We borrow 1 ten because the ones digit isn’t large enough”).
Connect to word problems by entering the numbers from a story and describing each step aloud.
Pair with manipulatives (base-ten blocks) for a concrete representation.

for (let pos = chunkLen - 1; pos >= 0; pos -= 1) { const colIndex = chunkCols[pos]; const digitChar = productStr[pos]; const productCell = productRow[colIndex]; steps.push({ run: () => { clearHighlights(); if (productCell) { productCell.textContent = digitChar; productCell.classList.add('highlight'); } addHelperStep(`Write ${digitChar} in the product row.`); }, }); }

How to Play

Choose two operands and select an operation: addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Press Start to animate the vertical algorithm step by step. Pause or resume whenever you want to discuss each move.
Follow the main column setup while the helper panel explains carries, borrows, partial products, or repeated subtraction.
Rewind or pick new numbers to compare different scenarios (e.g., borrowing across multiple zeros, carrying multiple digits).

Knowledge Background

Why This Helps Kids

Instead of memorizing procedures, learners watch each step animate with color cues and narration. This supports conceptual understanding, especially for students who need visual scaffolding.

Extensions & Teacher Tips

Pause after each animation to let students predict the next move.
Have learners narrate the reasoning (“We borrow 1 ten because the ones digit isn’t large enough”).
Connect to word problems by entering the numbers from a story and describing each step aloud.
Pair with manipulatives (base-ten blocks) for a concrete representation.