More on the relation between division and multiplication in simple arithmetic: Evidence for mediation of division solutions via multiplication

Abstract

Adults (N = 32) solved simple multiplication (e.g., 8 x 7) and corresponding division problems (e.g., 56/8). Self-reports of solution processes were given by half of the participants. Latency patterns and error rates were closely related across operations and were similar in self-report and no-report conditions. Solution of division problems, however, facilitated solution of multiplication problems more than the reverse. On large division problems, participants reported that they 'recast' problems as multiplication (e.g., 56/8 as 8 x ? = 56). These results support the hypothesis that multiplication and division are stored in separate mental representations but that solution of difficult division problems sometimes involves access to multiplication.