Many times students make careless mistakes when solving algebra questions while manipulating math terms. This is because of the understanding of mathematical operations and the real meaning of the “equal” symbol that relates two mathematical expressions. Moving variables or mathematical 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)
Mathematics teaching and learning can be simplified using everyday applications. In this algebra solving case, teachers can use the “See and Saw” concept from the playground to explain the solution of the mathematical operation. “See Saw” is actually a game element and is a long wooden board rotated in the center where two children or adults can sit on both ends and move up and down alternately. When both children are the same weight and stationary, the board will be level. When either side adds upward force, the other side will go down. This concept can be helpful in solving algebra through an understanding of 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 relation has a new term added, the right side must also be added with the same new term on the left side to maintain balance and stay level. This is the true meaning of “same”. Similarly, if one side had the term subtracted, the other side must also have the same term subtracted to maintain balance. Also, if one side is completely divided by a variable or mathematical term, the other side must also be divided by the same to maintain the meaning of “equal”.
To explain it in mathematical terms, we will show an example:
1) x + 6 = 3. To make x the only subject on the left side, we must subtract the “6” from the left side. The “equals” symbol will not hold if the right side does not perform the same mathematical operation as the left side, ie to subtract “6” as well.
So x + 6 – 6 = 3 – 6 which becomes x = -3 (correct answer). Is the concept simple?
2) 5y = 10. To make y 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). Look at the simplicity!
Everyday applications can be used to explain many mathematical operations and should be used in the teaching of mathematics. In this example, if students have this concept of the “See Saw” application form for solving algebra, they will not make any more careless errors.
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