What the lesson is about
At a basic level, algebra is an effective form of shorthand; at an advanced level, a vehicle for expressing and examining theories and discoveries, writes Naomi Sani. We should be doing more algebra in primaries and promoting it positively. Simple algebra is a natural extension of simple number work. For example, find the value of y in:
4 + 5 = y Answer: y = 9
12 - y = 8 Answer: y = 4
If young children have been taught well, they will readily complete such a task; only those who have learnt to fear algebra will freeze.
Primary pupils at ease with the above can cope with more algebra basics. For example:
n + n + n + n is the same as “4 lots of n” or 4 x n;
4 x n is conventionally shortened to 4n;
n x 4 is also shortened to 4n, as n x 4 is the same as 4 x n and the convention is to write the number first.
Writing expressions is easy when pupils know that any lower-case letter can be used to represent the unknown number. For example: add 5 to an unknown number: answer: n + 5. Subtract 3 from a number: answer: n - 3. Multiply a number by 10: answer: 10n.
So more algebra please! Let’s banish the fear and ensure it’s universally well taught.
What else?
Algebra can be easier when letters are given meaning. Try shivabob’s paperclip activity to give those symbols a real context. And enjoy a colourful maths activity with tafkam’s algebra hunt.
