Thread: Algebra Question

Knowing what the correct answer is great but if the students are to move onto higher level math then they need to be able to break down the question and fully understand why x = 5. In my opinion, a good grasp of simple algebra like this example is essential.

Lots of answers can be seen in problems at this level.

I always tell my students that we practice the process with the easy problems, when we know what the answer is. Knowing the answer is a good double check.

When the problems get more complicated and we can't easily see the answer, we know the process and can figure it out algebraically.

Algebra can be such a frightening prospect for any student. I used to tell my Grade 8 students - "The work you are about to do follows on from the algebra you did in Grade 2." - Looks of astonishment and incedulity - "Yes you are moving on from questions like:
BOX (draw a small square) + 3 = 5
What is BOX?
to the frighteningly difficult
X + 3 = 5
Solve for X
Once students see that it's basically grade 2 work (at the early stages) then, as Bitsy says, they are more open to the idea that more complicated questions require an algebraic process rather than just plugging in an answer.