What is a fact family?

A fact family in math is a group of related addition and subtraction (or multiplication and division) facts that use the same three numbers. They show the inverse relationship between these operations.

Here's a breakdown:

• Addition and Subtraction Fact Families: These use three numbers, let's say 2, 5, and 7. The fact family would be:

  • 2 + 5 = 7
  • 5 + 2 = 7
  • 7 - 2 = 5
  • 7 - 5 = 2

• Multiplication and Division Fact Families: Again, using three numbers (let's use 3, 4, and 12 this time):

  • 3 x 4 = 12
  • 4 x 3 = 12
  • 12 ÷ 3 = 4
  • 12 ÷ 4 = 3

Purpose of Fact Families:

Fact families help children:

• Understand the relationship between addition and subtraction (or multiplication and division). They see how these operations are opposites.
• Memorize basic facts. By working with the same numbers in different ways, they strengthen their number sense and recall.
• Develop problem-solving skills. They learn to manipulate numbers to find solutions.
• Build a foundation for more advanced math concepts. Understanding fact families is crucial for later work with equations and algebraic concepts.

In short, fact families are a valuable tool for building a strong understanding of basic arithmetic.