Algebra Basics

This math unit introduces and develops foundational algebra skills, advancing from simple to more complex concepts. Initially, students balance shapes using simple ratios, exploring basic equality principles and ratio application. They delve further into understanding algebra by interpreting the meaning of a dot as multiplication in algebraic functions and applying simple substitution in balancing more complex scenarios with three beams. Progressively, the unit tackles linear equations, first by solving two-term equations and advancing to three-term equations, enhancing student skills in basic arithmetic operations and variable isolation. Concurrently, students learn to interpret algebraic expressions, distinguishing between operations like multiplication, addition, and exponentiation, with focus on how numbers and variables interact in an equation. Towards the latter stages, the unit emphasizes on translating verbal descriptions into algebraic equations and practicing variable substitution in algebraic expressions, both unbracketed and bracketed. These exercises reinforce understanding of algebra's fundamental concepts, setting a robust basis for advanced topics.

Skills you will learn include:

This math unit starts with foundational algebra concepts, encouraging students to develop algebraic thinking through balance problems and simple substitutions without explicitly introducing variables and equations. As the unit progresses, students move on to solving linear equations by isolating one variable and manipulating three-term equations using basic arithmetic operations including addition and subtraction. The unit further deepens comprehension of algebra by introducing variable substitution in simple algebraic expressions and balancing equations from visual cues. Later, students engage with the manipulation and evaluation of algebraic functions involving negative integers, fractions, and bracketed squared terms. The curriculum culminates in calculating exponents, solidifying an understanding of advanced algebraic operations. Throughout this progression, the focus shifts from intuitive problem-solving and basic operations to complex algebraic manipulations and computational skills in various algebraic contexts.

Skills you will learn include:

In this math unit, students progress through a sequence of topics that build foundational to advanced skills in algebra. The unit starts with basic skills such as expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions when multiplying a variable by a bracketed term, followed by solving linear equations with increasing complexity—from three to four terms. It then advances to manipulating algebraic fractions, where students solve and simplify equations that involve fractions with variables. The complexity in fraction manipulation progresses across orientations until students deal with comprehensive problems that require reducing fractions that involve variables to their simplest forms. Towards the end of the unit, the focus shifts to applying algebra in practical contexts using balance shapes. Students learn to analyze image-based problems and to use substitutions and subtraction to solve for the equations and answer visually represented through balance beams. This culminates in understanding complex ratios, substitutions, and algebraic manipulations through symbolic and visual interpretations, rounding out their algebraic skills with both numerical and real-world problem-solving abilities.

Skills you will learn include:

In this math unit, students begin by expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions focusing on multiplying bracketed terms with the same variable, setting a foundational understanding of polynomial operations. They then progress to evaluating algebraic expressions through variable substitution, dealing initially with simple and negative terms, and advancing to more complex situations involving squared terms and negative coefficients. The practice intensifies as students substitute values into multiple fractional squared and bracketed squared terms, reinforcing their capacity to manage and compute expressions under specified conditions. Further advancing their algebraic skills, students practice solving basic linear equations to isolate variables, first with two terms and progressing to three terms, enhancing their handling of various algebraic functions. The unit culminates with advanced algebra concepts where students translate balanced shapes into equations, focusing on establishing and solving ratios, and involves visual and analytical skills by substituting and subtracting to find solutions in complex algebraic contexts. This flow from foundational polynomial operations to complex variable substitution and application in real-world contexts challenges students to deepen their understanding and proficiency in algebra.

Skills you will learn include:

This math unit begins by developing foundational algebraic skills through the multiplication of bracketed terms with different variables, establishing an understanding of polynomial manipulations. It progresses to solving linear equations, starting with simpler forms involving one variable with three terms, and gradually increasing in complexity to equations with four terms. The unit then transitions to the manipulation of algebraic fractions, increasingly focusing on solving equations that contain variables within fractions and reinforcing the reduction of fractions to their simplest forms. The latter part of the unit introduces solving problems presented in a visual format with balance shapes, which require the use of substitution and subtraction to formulate and solve equations. This specialized focus aims to enhance understanding of how algebraic principles apply to practical and abstract mathematical problems, culminating in the ability to simplify complex algebraic expressions and solve advanced algebraic equations.

Skills you will learn include:

This math unit begins by introducing students to the fundamental skills of substituting numbers and variables into linear equations. Initially, students practice simple substitutions where numbers are replaced in equations with one defined variable, advancing to solve for unknown variables using these substitutions. As the unit progresses, the complexity increases as students learn to apply the substitution method to systems of linear equations, where they must substitute entire equations to simplify and solve for variables. The unit deepens understanding by requiring students to manipulate and simplify algebraic expressions to isolate variables and solve equations. Multiple choice questions are included to help verify their solutions. Towards the end of the unit, the focus shifts to practical applications, employing algebraic manipulations in balance scales scenarios where substitution and subtraction are used to solve more visually presented equations, enhancing problem-solving skills in real-world contexts. Finally, the unit circles back to simpler algebraic operations such as addition within systems of equations, ensuring students consolidate their understanding of basic operations within the context of linear systems. This approach builds a robust foundation in algebra, preparing students for more complex mathematical concepts.

Skills you will learn include:

This math unit opens with foundational algebraic concepts, beginning with solving basic linear equations with one variable. As the unit progresses, the focus shifts towards more complex operations involving algebraic fractions, where students first learn to solve and simplify equations with fractions and eventually handle advanced fraction manipulations, including those with multiple variables. The unit proceeds to expand into polynomial manipulation, targeting skills from expanding expressions with a single variable multiplied by bracketed terms to handling polynomials involving multiple variables. Students practice distributing variables across terms and simplifying the resulting expressions—a vital skill for more advanced studies in algebra. Towards the end of the unit, the emphasis is on multiplying bracketed terms—both with the same and different variables—to reinforce understanding of the distributive property and improve the ability to expand and manipulate polynomial expressions. The unit concludes with exercises that involve solving for integer pairs that meet specific conditions, synthesizing earlier concepts with integer properties and polynomial reasoning.

Skills you will learn include: