Habit 5
Use appropriate Tools Strategically
The Mathematical Habits of Mind describe ways in which developing students of mathematics increasingly engage with the subject matter as they grow in mathematical maturity and expertise throughout the elementary, middle and high school years.Â
MHM5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
Use available tools recognizing the strengths and limitations of each.
Use estimation and other mathematical knowledge to detect possible errors.
Identify relevant external mathematical resources to pose and solve problems.
Use technological tools to deepen their understanding of mathematics.
Questions to Develop Mathematical Thinking Related to Habit 5
What mathematical tools could we use to visualize and represent the situation?
What information do you have?
What do you know that is not stated in the problem?
What approach are you considering trying first?
What estimate did you make for the solution?
In this situation would it be helpful to use a graph, number line, ruler, diagram, calculator, or manipulative?
Why was it helpful to use _____?
What can using a _____ show us, that _____ may not?
In what situations might it be more informative or helpful to use?