Tuesday 9 August 2016

Exploring Patterns in Algebra

Algebra is about patterns. We are learning to explore patterns using materials, diagrams, tables, graphs, and equations.


Creating a model from sticks or blocks is a good way to explore early cases of the pattern.  


We could find the fifth, sixth, and seventh cases of patterns by building models.


However, we soon ran out of materials!


Describing the rule in words helped to deepen our understanding. We found that being clear was more challenging than we first thought. A good description of the rule gives someone enough information to find the next y-value in the pattern.


Our next step was to create a table. Once we understood the rule, filling in a table was quicker and easier than building models for every case of the pattern!

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