Week of Dec. 1st

This week we have begun a new unit on Algebraic thinking.  There are connections that have to be made when beginning Algebra.  There is a connection between a physical model, an algebraic expressions, a t-chart, and a graph.

We started Monday by learning how to translate Language Arts sentences in to algebraic expressions and algebraic expressions back to LA sentences.

Examples:

5 more than t                           t + 5

6 less than 5 times g                5g - 6

y minus 8, times 4                   4(y - 8)

Also on Monday we evaluated expressions for a given value.

Examples:

Evaluate 4x + 3y for x = 3 and y = -2

4x + 3y
4(3) + 3(-2)
12 + -6
     6

Tuesday, we looked at numerical patterns.  Students were to use inductive reasoning to determine the next three values in a pattern.

Examples:

Pattern:  1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, ...  _____, ______, ______

Students were to determine from the list how to go from one number to the next.  In this pattern you add 2 add 1.  So the next three numbers are 12, 13, 15.

Wednesday, we evaluated expressions using T-Charts.  Each expression we work with in the 7th grade is linear.  So when we evaluate the expression using a T-Chart they are able to make the connection with patterns.  Each expression has a consistent way to find the next number in the sequence.

Example:

Thursday, the students found out that the T-Chart actually created a set of coordinates for a coordinate plane or graph.  So we reviewed the parts of a graph and then graphed our T-Charts.

Example:

Friday, we put it all together by discussing the 4 parts of algebra that need to be connected.  We called it BBOA or the Building Blocks of Algebra which are the physical model, the expression, the T-Chart, and the graph.

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