Ebony ask – Why Algebra?
In Ebony this week, we started looking at algebra. To start with we were looking at simple equations such:
If x=10 what does 2x =?
Later on we looked at more complicated equations such as:
If x=3, b=5, d=10 then what does (x + b) – d =
Someone asked why we learn algebra; the class know I cannot resist a ‘Why?’ question!
In our discussion, we started talking about some of the jobs that use algebra – mainly focusing around advanced jobs in mathematics, science and engineering.
We also spoke about the impact of learning algebra on our brain. It can help with critical thinking skills including pattern recognition, problem solving and reasoning.
We have been continuing sequences and finding the rules to help us to extend them. We began the find the algebraic formulas for each sequence so that we could work out the 100th, 500th, or 1000th pattern! Wow!
Can you find the formula for other sequences?
Today the children experienced Algebra for the first time. The children showed great resilience and were able to help each other out to solve some questions.
Using letters instead of numbers, the children were then able to create their own questions for their peers!
