What are “like terms” in algebra, why can they be combined, and how should they be combined? Both an intuitive and an algebraic approach are described, with examples.
Tag: Multiplication
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 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?
Multiplication
What does multiplication really represent? An exploration of alternative conceptual models for multiplication, along with a dimensional interpretation of multiplication.
Multiplication Notation
Exploration of multiplication notations, and ways to help students better understand some of the notation used in algebra.
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