Chap 4: Saying it algebraically

Posted by Loh Kwai Yin

more about writing algebraic expressions.

http://www.quia.com/mc/319817.html

Algebra: Equation

Introduction to Algebraic Equation

Activity 1:
Watch the movie, X finds out his value, and answer the following questions.

Given the following:
2x + 4 + x = 8 + 2(3 + x) -3

1. Is this an expression or an equation? Why?
2. What is the variable?
3. Why is an equation like a see-saw?
4. Simplify 2x + 4 + x Answer: ___________________
5. Simplify 8 + 2(3 + x) -3 Answer: ___________________
6. Solve the above for x Answer: x = ________________

Activity 2:

The objective of the activity is to use concrete representation to find the unknown variable. Algebraic reasoning is used to solve or find the numerical value of the variable.

• Levels 1 and 2 contain two scales.
• Level 3 is more difficult and has three scales.
• Your goal is to determine the weight of one or more of the objects.

Click HERE to attempt.

Source: Math Playground (retrieved: 14 March 2010)

http://www.mathplayground.com/Algebraic_Reasoning.html

Algebra: Introduction

ALGEBRA

Objective:
To have a better understanding of the historical background of Algebra and the fundamental nomenclature used in Algebra.

Task:
In groups of 4s please complete the 4-stages of the Introduction: Algebra below. Appoint a scribe to post your findings on-line. Please quote and check the reliability of your sources. Remember to indicate your group members.

Stage 1:
World of Mathematics on Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi
Who is Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi ?
Identify his contributions in Mathematics and Sciences.



Stage 2:
Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi was the author of a book entitled Al-jabr w'al muqabala (written in 830 AD) that gave the name al-jabr to the branch of mathematics that is now known by its modern spelling as algebra.

What is Algebra?
[reference: clink on the formula

Construct a simple mind map to illustrate this. You may refer to sample for inspiration.

source: Mind Map Art info@mindmapart.com

Stage 3:
Use the website or mathematics dictionary and find the definition of the following. Use diagrams or examples to illustrate your explanation. Click here for reference or refer to worksheet 1.

1. variable
2. constant
3. coefficient
4. expression
5. equation

Stage 4:
Watch the following video on Introduction to Algebra and explain the differences between like terms and unlike terms.