These Are My JOTtings...

The Love of Math Adds Up

The love of math has life to add
to cells within the brain.
The numbers help to make us glad
in sunshine or in rain.

That life has tasks, we know full well.
Sometimes the answer's quick,
At others can't solution tell
as parts are greatly thick.

To add, subtract or multiply
we learn it easy quite,
Division's hard at first, no lie
as try to do it right.

Division is not natural
to working numbers whole.
We multiply and then we call
subtraction as our goal.

Division is no more nor less,
subtraction multiplied.
These two steps cause all students stress,
when making math divide.

Addition really gives us hope.
The two parts give us more.
With this we all have learned to cope
in youngest minds to store.

Subtraction means we take away
a part from greater whole.
We've learned to live with less today,
since minus is our goal.

To multiply we add up fast,
result is really great
The sums are flying quick eyes past
in piles upon the plate.

Division can't subtract I trow
before it multiplies.
So, all the first three I must know
before result applies.

Division really can't exist
as minus while it runs
It must first add in quite a twist
as big subtraction stuns.

Division is a two-step dance
unlike the other three.
I swing my partner at a glance
and pull her back to me.

To add up fast so many things
and then subtract away,
Just spins my head in dizzy rings
no matter what they say!

Now, I have learned what I must do
to make myself divide.
The word, division, is not true.
It is not. They have lied.

If word at top of chapter reads
"Dividing" for today,
Then work I'll do as teacher heed,
but mind will surely play.

Division, you are never there.
You can't do what you say,
But multiply will show some care,
Subtraction comes to stay.

Division is another name
for Dancing with the Stars.
I'll multiply, subtract the same.
My answers will go far.

The love of math has life to give
as we enjoy the rules.
With three we happily will live.
The last two greater tools.

by Jay O'Toole
on April 20th, 2017