Algebra

Question 1

1) 2A What do these mean?
2) 2A + 5 = 19 - solve the equation what does a mean

Answer 1

1) 2 x 2 = 4 It means double 2
2) 2a + 5 = 19
19 - 5 = 14
14/2 = 7
a equals 7

Question 2

How is algebra represented?

Answer 2

Children will learn to represent concepts algebraically as expressions, formulae and equations.
1) Structures and representations - A range of structures and representations will be used in this unit.
2) Bar models - A key model for representing different algebraic expressions, formulae and equations is the bar model. For example, here we can see how the equation ‘x add 36 is equal to 42’ can be solved using the bar model.
(On screen: A bar model with base bar 42 is shown. The upper bar is split to show 36 and x. The base bar is then split correspondingly to show 36 and 6, proving that x is 6.)
3) Balance models - Children will also be introduced to the balance model. This is helpful as it enables children to visualize the concept of keeping an equation balanced when they are trying to find an unknown number. (On screen: a balance model is shown. On its left are three objects marked 10, three marked 2 and one marked x. On its right are three objects marked 10 and six marked 2. Equivalent objects are matched to show that x is equivalent to three objects marked 2.)

Question 3

What’s the key vocabulary for algebra?

Answer 3

There is some key vocabulary which you and the children will use over the course of this unit. Children will be introduced to a wide range of language that is specific to algebra, including ‘term’, ‘algebraic’, ‘formula’ and ‘formulae’, ‘expression’, ‘nth’, ‘substitute’ and ‘equation’.
(On screen: the mentioned terms appear.)
Children will recap and apply a wide range of vocabulary, which they have already met in other units.
(The following terms appear on the screen: calculation, pattern, rule, generalise, operation, calculate, inverse, unknown number, solution, represent and value.)

Question 4

What misconceptions and interventions is there for children?

Answer 4

1) Misconceptions and interventions - There are some key misconceptions to be aware of and plan for when teaching this unit.
2) Misreading algebraic expressions - One common misconception children may experience is misreading algebraic expressions which contain multiplication. For example, here, 4a been misread as 4 add a, which will then lead to the incorrect answer being given. (On screen: the equation ‘4a – 20 = 50’ is shown. Beneath this, in child’s handwriting, is written ‘4 + a – 30 = 50’.)