Tips to Make Algebra Easier
August 18, 2016Today:RemindersAlgebra: Five Essential
UnderstandingsContinue Practice Test: Five Fraction Questions
First: The Summer Olympics
Reminders:By Monday, You should have..1. A 3 or 5 subject
notebook2. A gmail address, with your full name as part or all of
your username.4. At least two pencils and an eraser.
Algebra is not a 'thing' -- it's a style, a process, a method
for solving problems. There are other methods for solving as
well.Algebra's not the fork, it's how you hold the fork.
1. There are no algebra problems; there are math problems that
you can use algebra to solve.Algebra: 5 Essential
UnderstandingsThere's the trial and error or guess and check
methods. These methods may take you hours, days, or weeks to find a
solution.Algebra is really a time saving method for solving some
types of math problems.
2. Mathematics uses lots of symbols. As in language (!, ., , ?,
:,),math symbols are used as shortcuts to express a certain
meaning. Examples of math symbols include..... This unknown
quantity is called a variable, because it could be any number. When
the variable is solved, it becomes a constant.Algebra: 5 Essential
UnderstandingsAlgebra adds only one additional symbol, the 'x' or
unknown number.
3. All of the rules that are used in algebra are from the
natural rules of numbers. There are no 'algebra rules' or rules
created for algebra. Let's look at two examples:5 Things....a. "You
have to change the sign when you move a number to the other side of
the equation"8 + 7 = 158 = 15- 78 + 7 = 157 = 15- 8b. "You can do
whatever you want to an equation, as long as you do it to both
sides. The equation will always be equal."4. Algebra is based on
the patterns of numbers and the relationships between all
numbers.The sum of three consecutive numbers is 54. What are the
numbers?The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 90. What are
the numbers?
5 Things....5. Look for equality and use it to your
advantage.
+=80% of 20 is... Is there another form of the number thats
easier to use?
Just because a problem is written a certain way, you can always
substitute eqivalent numbers that are easier to work with. In
addition to understanding these 5 concepts, the single greatest
thing you can do for yourself is to....KNOW YOUR MULTIPLICATION
TABLES!!
Lastly, more fraction practice: 5 questions
