Whit Ford

Algebra Intro 1: Numbers and Variables

This post begins a series intended to help introduce or re-introduce some of the core concepts of Algebra. It is often very helpful to re-visit these concepts with students who may have memorized their way through previous math courses without slowing down to contemplate some of the concepts behind Algebra. Numbers Numbers are used in…… Continue reading Algebra Intro 1: Numbers and Variables

Algebra Intro 2: Addition

Mathematical thinking probably started with addition. Someone may have combined two piles of bricks, and wondered how many were in the single large pile. Addition is the mathematical term that describes “joining quantities together”. Properties of Addition Looking at the patterns that can occur when quantities are joined together, you might have noticed that it does…… Continue reading Algebra Intro 2: Addition

Algebra Intro 3: Subtraction

Once addition has been explored a bit, it leads pretty naturally to a new question: if there are three bricks in a pile, how many bricks do I need to add to it so that there will be five in the pile? Our addition problems were all phrased using a pattern like number + number…… Continue reading Algebra Intro 3: Subtraction

Algebra Intro 4: Negative Numbers, Zero, Absolute Values, and Opposites

Negative Numbers Negative numbers are something new and interesting to think about. What do they mean? They arose from changing the order in which we subtracted two numbers. While we usually think of a “difference” by starting our thought process with the larger number, when we fail to do that and try to “take away”…… Continue reading Algebra Intro 4: Negative Numbers, Zero, Absolute Values, and Opposites

Algebra Intro 5: Addition, Subtraction, and Terms

Explanation of why subtracting has the same effect as adding a negative, and how rewriting addition as subtraction allows terms to be easily re-arranged. Introduction to the use of the word “term” in algebra, along with how terms may be re-arranged.

Algebra Intro 6: Multiplication

We have all known our multiplication tables for years, and have successfully answered questions like “what is 6 times 7?”, but do we really understand what multiplication represents? Repeated Addition One interpretation of multiplication, which only works when multiplying by an integer, is “repeated addition”. From this perspective, “6 times 7” is a compact way to…… Continue reading Algebra Intro 6: Multiplication

Algebra Intro 7: Properties of Multiplication

Properties Of Multiplication Do the patterns that applied to addition also apply to multiplication… do the following all produce the same result? $latex 3 \cdot 5 \cdot 7 \\*~\\*3 \cdot (5 \cdot 7) \\*~\\*(3 \cdot 5) \cdot 7&s=2&bg=ffffff&fg=000000$ After carefully following the order of operations, we see that they all result in a value of 105.…… Continue reading Algebra Intro 7: Properties of Multiplication

Algebra Intro 8: Division

The last “arithmetic” operation introduced in school is usually division. While multiplication allows us to calculate the total needed for a group when a fixed quantity is required for each person, division allows us to determine how much each person will get when a fixed quantity is divided equally among all in a group. …… Continue reading Algebra Intro 8: Division

Algebra Intro 9: Fractions, Reciprocals, and Properties of Division

Dividing six by two

Exploration of fractions as ratios, division problems, and the inverse of multiplication. What they look like, what they mean, and their lack of algebraic properties (associative, commutative).

Algebra Intro 10: Fractions and Multiplication

Exploration of ways to think about, and approach, fractions that are useful when working with them. What does a product of fractions mean, and what alternatives are there for evaluating it?

Algebra Intro 11: Dividing Fractions, Equivalent Fractions

Once a person is comfortable with multiplying fractions, dividing one fraction by another becomes fairly straightforward. Dividing Fractions An alternative to division by any number (not just a fraction) is “multiplying by the reciprocal”. Dividing by two has the same effect as multiplying by one half. Multiplying by the reciprocal of a number will always produce…… Continue reading Algebra Intro 11: Dividing Fractions, Equivalent Fractions

Algebra Intro 12: Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Once someone knows how to multiply fractions, and is comfortable creating equivalent fractions by multiplying by a fraction that equals 1, they have to tools needed to add and subtract fractions. Why Can’t I Just Add Two Fractions As Written? Consider the fraction “two thirds.” The phrase as written can be represented in two ways:…… Continue reading Algebra Intro 12: Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Uncover the Hidden Game

The title of this posting is the title of a chapter in “Making Learning Whole”, by David Perkins (2009), which I mentioned in my previous posting. I recommend it highly. What is the “hidden game” in High School mathematics? What mindsets, approaches, techniques, etc. do those comfortable with the work asked of them rely upon, yet…… Continue reading Uncover the Hidden Game

Learn the Game of Learning

The title of this posting is the title of a chapter in “Making Learning Whole”, by David Perkins (2009). Of the books on education I have read to date, this is the first that resonated completely with me. He describes the way I try to teach, and more – thus giving me much to reflect…… Continue reading Learn the Game of Learning

Student Response Clickers

I am researching student response clickers, in hopes of using them in Algebra I and II classes this fall. Companies To date I have come across six companies that offer them: eInstruction iRespond Qwizdom Renaissance Learning Smartroom Turning Technologies I have found internet references to the following vendors being used at the following universities: eInstruction…… Continue reading Student Response Clickers