Elementary Math Help
In this section, you will find explanations to many mathematical processes learned in elementary school, grades 1-8. The navigation (on the left) is set up to progress in a general order of how topics are learned; however, you (students, parents, and tutors) may find it more helpful to simply look for the topic you need help with. Nearly every main page has sub-pages, because nearly every general topic can be explained more thoroughly. Many of the pages have quizzes (multiple choice, fill in the blank) for students to practice the skill or skills being discussed. Below, you will find a brief description of each page, as well as links to the page and subpages.
Still need help after using our elementary math resources? Use our service to find an elementary math tutor.
Addition
Main Lesson: Addition
A thorough explanation of how to add single and multiple digit numbers together, with and without carrying.
Subtraction
Main Lesson: Subtraction
A brief introduction of the idea of "taking away" (subtracting). Subpages give a thorough explanation of how to subtract numbers from each other, with and without borrowing.
Subpages include:
Subtracting One Digit Numbers
Subtracting Without Borrowing
Subtracting With Borrowing
Multiplication
Main lesson: Multiplication
A thorough explanation of how to multiply two numbers together, including single digit and multi-digit multiplication. Subpages include practice working with decimals, powers of 10, as well as an introduction to exponents and square roots.
Subpages include:
Multiplying Decimals
Multiplying by Tens
Exponents
Square Roots
Basic Division
Main Lesson: Basic Division
A brief introduction to division—introduces division that is done using mental math by reversing the times tables in ones’ head.
Long Division
Main Lesson: Long Division
A thorough explanation of the four repeated steps of long division. Subpages give additional practice with remainders, decimals, and dividing by powers of 10.
Subpages include:
Long Division with Remainders
Division with Decimals
Dividing by Tens
Rounding Numbers and Place Value
Main Lesson: Rounding Numbers and Place Value
These pages first introduce place value of digits in numbers—both whole and decimal. They practice naming them and identifying digits. Then they move on to rounding numbers, which is based on place value of each digit. Rounding is taught using terms “round to the nearest hundred” and so on.
Subpages include:
Place Value
Rounding Numbers
Factors and Multiples
Main Lesson: Factors and Multiples
This page introduces the difference between factors and multiples. Subpages explain in depth how to find factors and multiples, and give examples of when to use each. Prime factorization is also introduced.
Subpages include:
Factors
Multiples
Prime Factorization
Fractions
Main Lesson: Fractions
Introduces what a fraction is, what it looks like, what it stands for. Subpages branch out extensively and explain basic operations with fractions (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing) as well as how to simplify fractions and deal with improper fractions and mixed numbers.
Subpages include:
Expanding and Reducing Fractions
Finding Common Denominators
Comparing Fractions
Adding and Subtracting Fractions
Multiplying Fractions
Dividing Fractions
Mixed Numbers
Improper Fractions
Converting Between Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
Main Lesson: Converting Between Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
This page explains how to convert between fractions, decimals, and percents. Different methods are explained, some using basic Algebra and others using basic multiplication/division operations.
Measurement
Main Lesson: Measurement
A basic introduction to units and measurements of distance (length, width, height), time, volume, weight, and so on. Tables are given for English measures, metric measures, and conversions between the two. Example problems are also included for how to convert between units of the same and different measurement systems.
Shapes
Main Lesson: Shapes
A basic introduction to geometric shapes is given, including pictures and names of 12 basic shapes. Brief descriptions of the shapes are given as well (how many sides each shape has, and so on).
Area and Perimeter
Main Lesson: Area and Perimeter
This page gives a brief overview explaining the difference between area and perimeter. The subpages go further in depth on how to calculate each, and how to use them together in sample problems.
Subpages include:
Perimeter
Area
Telling Time
Main Lesson: Telling Time
This page introduces how to read an analog clock and describes how to read the hour hand and minute hand. AM and PM are discussed, as well as how to figure out elapsed time (how much time has passed).
Money
Main Lesson: Money
This page is an introduction to US currency. It includes names and images of all current US coins and paper money. It also gives tips for counting money. The subpages go more in depth and explain how to add and subtract money, multiply and divide it, and calculate discounts and tax on items sold.
Subpages include:
Adding and Subtracting Money
Multiplying and Dividing Money
Calculating Discounts
Calculating Tax
Positive and Negative Numbers
Main Lesson: Positive and Negative Numbers
This page introduces the difference between positive numbers (having something) and negative numbers (lacking something). It shows the proper notation for negative numbers (how we write a negative number) and explains how we count negative numbers. Subpages go into more detail on comparing, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing positive and negative numbers, as well as how to deal with negative fractions, decimals and percents.
Subpages include:
Comparing Positive and Negative Numbers
Adding Positive and Negative Numbers
Subtracting Positive and Negative Numbers
Multiplying Positive and Negative Numbers
Dividing Positive and Negative Numbers
Negative Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
Mean, Median, and Mode
Main Lesson: Mean, Median, and Mode
This page introduces the three concepts behind averaging numbers: mean, median, and mode. Examples are given of how each of these is different from the rest, as well as how to calculate each with a series of numbers.
Solving Equations
Main Lesson: Solving Equations
This page provides a very basic introduction to solving equations, beginning with “finding the missing number” and subpages explain how to solve equations with variables (such as x, a, b, and so on) as well as how to combine like terms. This is a basic pre-algebra concept that is generally taught in middle school and expanded on in junior high.
Subpages include:
Solving Equations with Variables
Combining Like Terms
Proportions