Skill guides

One method, one page.

What each written method is, a worked example checked by MathPad’s math engine, the mistakes to watch for, and the grades it usually shows up in.

Grades 1–4

Addition with regrouping

What regrouping in addition means, a worked three-digit example, the mistakes kids make most, and short ways to practice carrying at home.

Grades 2–4

How borrowing in subtraction works, including across zeros, with a worked example, common mistakes and simple ways to practice at home.

Grades 4–5

How to multiply two-digit numbers with the standard algorithm and partial products, with a worked example and the mistakes to watch for.

Grades 4–6

The divide, multiply, subtract, bring down cycle of long division, with a worked example with a remainder and the mistakes kids make most often.

Grades 4–6

How to add and subtract decimals by lining up the decimal point, with a worked example, the common mistakes and ideas for practice at home.

Grades 3–6

How to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, step by step, with a worked example and the mistakes children make most often.

Grades K–5

What place value means, why column alignment matters for carrying and borrowing, a worked example, and simple place value activities for home.

Grades 2–4

A sensible order for learning multiplication facts, strategies for the hard ones, a worked example and short practice ideas for home.

Looking for something longer? The MathPad blog has step-by-step guides for parents and teachers.