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reSolve: Algebra: Think of a number - Linear Equations

Teacher guide reSolve: Algebra: Think of a number - Linear Equations

TLF ID M021839

This lesson explores algebra by generalising results from arithmetic used in 'think of a number' games. Students connect arithmetic operations with algebraic notation and visualisations. The lesson begins with an observation made using arithmetic that students then justify and extend using algebra. The lesson is outlined in detail including curriculum links, vocabulary, materials needed, sample answers, discussion points and student resources such as links to algebra tree web sites. This sequence is part of the reSolve: Maths by Inquiry program.

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Educational details

Educational value
  • This resource is valuable for supporting the Number and algebra strand of year 8 mathematics. It is of particular value to the content descriptions about expanding, factorising; and simplifying algebraic expressions, as students manipulate algebraic expressions to generalise 'think of a number' tricks.
  • The resource is also valuable for supporting the general capabilities of Numeracy and Information and Communication Technologies. The lessons provide opportunities for students to solve complex problems by estimating and calculating using efficient mental, written and digital strategies and use ICT to perform calculations, investigate and model concepts and relationships.
Year level

8

Topics Number operations Factors Distributivity Mathematical expressions Simplification (Algebra)
Learning area
  • Mathematics

Other details

Contributors
  • Contributor
  • Name: Education Services Australia
  • Organization: Education Services Australia
  • Description: Data manager
  • Address: VIC, AUSTRALIA
  • URL: http://www.esa.edu.au/
  • Copyright Holder
  • Name: Australian Government Department of Education and Training
  • Organization: Australian Government Department of Education and Training
  • Publisher
  • Name: Australian Academy of Science
  • Organization: Australian Academy of Science
  • Description: Publisher
  • URL: https://www.science.org.au/
  • Resource metadata contributed by
  • Name: Education Services Australia Ltd
  • Organisation: Education Services Australia Ltd
  • Address: AUSTRALIA
  • URL: www.esa.edu.au
Access profile
  • Unknown
Learning Resource Type
  • Online
Rights
  • © Australian Government Department of Education and Training 2018. Unless otherwise indicated, this material may be used in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence.