Algebra Solving – The "See saw" Road
Many times students make a careless mistake in solving algebra questions while manipulating mathematical terms. This is due to an understanding of mathematical operations and the actual meaning of the “equals” symbol that relates two mathematical expressions. Moving variables or math terms from the left side to the right side (or vice versa) of the “equals” symbol will pose a potential problem.
To cite examples of common mistakes done:
1) x + 5 = 4 became x = 4 + 5
2) 2y = 6 becomes y = 6 / (-2)
The teaching of mathematics and its learning can be simplified using everyday applications. In this algebra solving case, teachers can use the “See Saw” concept of the playground to explain the solution to the math operation. “See Saw” is actually a play item and is a long wooden board pivoted in the center whereby two children or adults can sit at both ends and move up and down alternately. When both children are equal in weight and immobile, the board will be level. When either side adds force upward, the other side will go down. This concept can be helpful in solving algebra by understanding the balancing act.
Balancing the “See Saw” is similar to balancing the algebraic terms on both sides of the “equals” symbol. In short, if the left side of the algebraic relationship has a newly added term, the right side must also be added with the same new term from the left side to maintain balance and level. This is the true meaning of “equal”. Similarly, if one term is subtracted from one side, the other side must also be subtracted the same term to maintain balance. Also, if one side is completely divided by a mathematical variable or term, the other side must also be divided by the same to keep the meaning of “equal.”
To explain in mathematical terms, let’s show an example:
1) x + 6 = 3. To make x the only subject on the left side, we need to subtract the “6” from the left side. The “equals” symbol will not be kept if the right side does not perform the same mathematical operation as the left side, that is, to also subtract “6”.
Therefore x + 6 – 6 = 3 – 6 which becomes x = -3 (correct answer). Is the concept simple?
2) 5y = 10. For y to be the only subject, we need to divide the left side of the mathematical expression by 5. This forces us to also divide the right side by 5 to stay the same.
Therefore 5 years / 5 = 10 /5. This results in y = 2 (correct answer). See the simplicity!
Everyday apps can be used to explain many math facts and should be used in math instruction. In this example, if students have this concept of the “See saw” application form to solving algebra, they will not make any more careless mistakes.
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