A simple way to explain algebra

ToasterSparks

Hi all,

My younger brother is in 2nd year, and he doesn't fully understand algebra and in particular how things change going across the equals sign.

When I was in 1st year, the first thing our teacher did was lay out the basic rules - you know: + changes to -, x changes to divide, and she made it seem really simple so that when we started doing equations it all made sense.

I'm not the best at explaining it that way to him, but I was wondering if anyone knows any simple basic tutorials online that would help? Teachers seem to be so caught up in rushing through the curriculum that they forget to drill in the basics in students' minds.

Any help would be good.

Vivara

Ah God, he should have had my Maths teacher. I would mention her name but would be afraid to — since I got in trouble for mentioning my school on Facebook once. Let's just say my school has been featured in national news many times (the number nine comes to mind), and write-ups have been written about this wonderful and brilliant teacher in the Irish Independent, Irish Times, etc.

She used all this fantastic methods for us to remember things and was extremely strict, but also very funny. The thing is, while she could be mean, she also is the most genuine person in the school and wouldn't say a bad thing about anyone unless it was warranted.

One of her methods to explain how the signs change when your brought it across the equality was something like this:

'So he hops over the bridge and you slap him across the face, and the sign changes' I don't know anyone who didn't get that a '+' changes to a '–' after crossing the bridge or that a '×' changes to a '÷'.

The thing about maths is practice. Doing sums is revision and there is no other way. You'll need to go over it with and correct him every time he is wrong.

I'm very surprised that in 2nd Year, and at this time of year that he hasn't mastered Algebra. That is something to worry about to be honest, as this is the fundamental thing for the whole Junior Cert. course. Practically everything requires this simple technique. If he has problems with more difficult concepts, please tell me and I'll have a go at remembering how my teacher taught us. I'm in third year, by the way and an A student so I am regularly immersed in all these concepts.

Thanks,
Ed.

Luno

Vivara wrote: »

She used all this fantastic methods for us to remember things and was extremely strict, but also very funny. The thing is, while she could be mean, she also is the most genuine person in the school and wouldn't say a bad thing about anyone unless it was warranted.

One of her methods to explain how the signs change when your brought it across the equality was something like this:

'So he hops over the bridge and you slap him across the face, and the sign changes' I don't know anyone who didn't get that a '+' changes to a '–' after crossing the bridge or that a '×' changes to a '÷'.

The thing about maths is practice. Doing sums is revision and there is no other way. You'll need to go over it with and correct him every time he is wrong.

I'm very surprised that in 2nd Year, and at this time of year that he hasn't mastered Algebra. That is something to worry about to be honest, as this is the fundamental thing for the whole Junior Cert. course. Practically everything requires this simple technique. If he has problems with more difficult concepts, please tell me and I'll have a go at remembering how my teacher taught us. I'm in third year, by the way and an A student so I am regularly immersed in all these concepts.

Thanks,
Ed.

I don't get your method at all?
Its a bit too, simple for me I like things in plain text none of this riddledy stuff.

Tbh, there's nothing to worry about algebra is an area that a lot of people struggle in, perhaps a grind might help?

Vivara, was there really a need to add in your an A student?
Showing off a bit? There is plenty of A students here but they don't add it in unnecessary places, just saying! :pac:

Vivara

M&S* wrote: »

Vivara, was there really a need to add in your an A student?
Showing off a bit? There is plenty of A students here but they don't add it in unnecessary places, just saying! :pac:

Ha ha, LMAO! Just saying I know what I'm talking about and have used these methods to get over 90% in tests, lol. Don't be so nit-picky.

M&S* wrote: »

I don't get your method at all?
Its a bit too, simple for me I like things in plain text none of this riddledy stuff.

Well I don't see how the OP can get something in a more plain text way than:

Original Poster wrote:

you know: + changes to -, x changes to divide

I thought it was obvious he was looking for a different way to explain this to his brother, not a 'plain text' way.

M&S* wrote: »

Tbh, there's nothing to worry about algebra is an area that a lot of people struggle in, perhaps a grind might help?

That is perhaps the most outlandish statement you could possibly say. I don't know if you're familiar with the Junior Cert. course, but if ¾ of the way into second year a student still doesn't understand that the sign changes when you pass the equality sign, it is most certainly worrying. As I have already said, it forms the basis for almost all of the course. Opening my book, you need to know it for Factors, Simultaneous Equations, Quadratic Equations, Sets, Statistics, Interest & Arithmetic — the list goes on, and there is no arguing with it.

Ed.

Luno

Vivara wrote: »

Ha ha, LMAO! Just saying I know what I'm talking about and have used these methods to get over 90% in tests, lol. Don't be so nit-picky.



Well I don't see how the OP can get something in a more plain text way than:


I thought it was obvious he was looking for a different way to explain this to his brother, not a 'plain text' way.



That is perhaps the most outlandish statement you could possibly say. I don't know if you're familiar with the Junior Cert. course, but if ¾ of the way into second year a student still doesn't understand that the sign changes when you pass the equality sign, it is most certainly worrying. As I have already said, it forms the basis for almost all of the course. Opening my book, you need to know it for Factors, Simultaneous Equations, Quadratic Equations, Sets, Statistics, Interest & Arithmetic — the list goes on, and there is no arguing with it.

Ed.

How was I being nit-picky in all fairness now!
When on earth was it just a sign change? Algebra is much more than just changing signs, if you didn't realize that, then maybe you would stop being so big-headed about yourself,

You said yourself that you are only in 3rd year, it's hardly like you know everything that there is to know, don't make it out like you know everything...

WanderingSoul

M&S*, I think what was meant was that if he was struggling with a "basic" concept within algebra such as changing the sign when changing sides that he might find other areas of algebra hard such as those needed for "Factors, Simultaneous Equations, Quadratic Equations, Sets, Statistics, Interest & Arithmetic [...]".

OP: I suggest telling your brother to talk to his maths teacher outside of class in order for them to help (that's what they are there for! ).

I'm wondering how this has only arisen now though because as far as I remember algebra is a large part of the first year course, so it really should have been "flagged" then.

bluejay14

Woah, woah, time to break up the fight here people.


I actually don't know how I learned it because our teacher in 1st and 2nd year was just terrible.I suppose I just learned it without really thinking about it because our teacher was dire at explaining things to us and woulod just kepp going on about stuff and saying "well you don't need this until leaving cert but I'll show you it anyway...." eh, hello let's just get on with the J.C course!

Luno

bluejaymraz wrote: »

Woah, woah, time to break up the fight here people.

But . . . but he started it!!!

bluejay14

M&S* wrote: »

But . . . but he started it!!!

I kinda agree with where you were going with it.

Luno

bluejaymraz wrote: »

I kinda agree with where you were going with it.

he is a show off though :pac:

WanderingSoul

*sigh*

Closed ac

Who knew Algebra was such a touchy subject..

cocoa

well, most people would disagree, but then most people are pretty awful at maths, why not actually teach him about the mechanism he's using?

The equals sign is not a wall, fence or any other symbol you care to choose, and things can't just cross over it. It's very simple, any operation you do on one side, must be done on the other. If I add seven on the left, I add seven on the right. If I multiply by 'x' on the left, I multiply by 'x' on the right.

If I have an 'x' on the left, but I don't want it there, I can divide by x, because x/x = 1, but if I divide by x on the left I must also divide by x on the right.

Misunderstandings based on tricks such as 'jumping over the equals sign' lead to poor handling of (slightly) more complex equalities such as (4x+7y)/3x = 2y

bluejay14

DKZ wrote: »

Who knew Algebra was such a touchy subject..

It's not the algebra that we were touchy about..

WanderingSoul

If it was the whole grade thing it's a little silly; totally off-topic and irrelevant. There were whole threads on grades.

Closed ac

bluejaymraz wrote: »

It's not the algebra that we were touchy about..

I was joking

ToasterSparks

OK, I'll just clarify here:

My initial post had a few basic examples of what I was looking for - I didn't mean just that. TBH, I was just putting out feelers to see if there were any simple tutorials or online material that would help him go over the basics, since he just needs a boost in the area.

Thanks to anyone that helped.

For the people that were squabbling - grow up. Some posters love nothing more than starting arguments for the sake of it, which is petty and ridiculous. If you can't contribute, then don't post at all.

Luno

ToasterSparks wrote: »

OK, I'll just clarify here:

My initial post had a few basic examples of what I was looking for - I didn't mean just that. TBH, I was just putting out feelers to see if there were any simple tutorials or online material that would help him go over the basics, since he just needs a boost in the area.

Thanks to anyone that helped.

For the people that were squabbling - grow up. Some posters love nothing more than starting arguments for the sake of it, which is petty and ridiculous. If you can't contribute, then don't post at all.

Are you implying that I set out for an argument?
I gave the advice that I thought suited, I didn't agree with what another poster was saying and only said my opinion to which it was attacked,

I never end up in arguments on here. This was the closest yet I would hardly go that far to say it was.

Most people who poster here contributed their thoughts on what you should do, hardly not contributing I mean even if it's not what you were looking for its still an option!

WanderingSoul

ToasterSparks wrote: »

OK, I'll just clarify here:

If you can't contribute, then don't post at all.

I think that comment is out of line. Everyone here at one point said what they thought and/or gave advice as can be seen below:

Vivara wrote: »

The thing about maths is practice. Doing sums is revision and there is no other way. You'll need to go over it with and correct him every time he is wrong.

M&S* wrote: »

Tbh, there's nothing to worry about algebra is an area that a lot of people struggle in, perhaps a grind might help?

WanderingSoul wrote: »

I suggest telling your brother to talk to his maths teacher outside of class in order for them to help (that's what they are there for! ).

cocoa wrote: »

well, most people would disagree, but then most people are pretty awful at maths, why not actually teach him about the mechanism he's using? [...]

If what you're really looking for is a tutorial try here.

jumpguy

Vivara wrote: »

Ah God, he should have had my Maths teacher. I would mention her name but would be afraid to — since I got in trouble for mentioning my school on Facebook once. Let's just say my school has been featured in national news many times (the number nine comes to mind), and write-ups have been written about this wonderful and brilliant teacher in the Irish Independent, Irish Times, etc.

She used all this fantastic methods for us to remember things and was extremely strict, but also very funny. The thing is, while she could be mean, she also is the most genuine person in the school and wouldn't say a bad thing about anyone unless it was warranted.

One of her methods to explain how the signs change when your brought it across the equality was something like this:

'So he hops over the bridge and you slap him across the face, and the sign changes' I don't know anyone who didn't get that a '+' changes to a '–' after crossing the bridge or that a '×' changes to a '÷'.

Hmm...very similiar to my own teacher's method! To clarify, I didn't like it, it didn't explain why. Luckily, there was a change in math's teacher and the other one explained why, and I could do it easily then. It's very handy as you progress through maths, and especially in Leaving Cert, to understand why things are done.

Perhaps he needs to understand why you need to change the sign and so on, instead of just rote learning how to do it. Explain when you do something to one side of an equals in an equation, you must do it to the other.

2 + x = 4
2 - 2 + x = 4 - 2
2 - 2 is 0, 4 - 2 is 2
x = 2

x/2 = 4
Multiply both sides by two
2x/2 = 4/2

If you double x (2x), and then half that (2x/2), you get x! i.e They cancel. 4/2 = 2.
x = 2

Try it like that, explain why it's done, and try to help him understand why it's done, instead of just rote learning it off.

bluejay14

I will admit the we were a bit silly:o

Vivara

God almighty! Never met the likes of this, anywhere. Please, please point out where I started this argument as I honestly was trying to help! There was no post before my original one, so I wasn't defaming anyone's method. What's wrong with explaining how you do it instead of pointing out the problems with others and getting worked up over the mention of a grade (that was put in an appropriate place, anyway)? I mean if validating the advice I had given by explaining that I've used it to get high marks isn't the correct place to put it, I don't know where is. I suppose, if you prefer that I put it in one of those threads where everyone exaggerates their grades, then fine.

And also to the OP, and others who have given links to tutorials: I presumed the only reason one would ask on Boards is that you had already Googled algebra tutorials and they weren't helping; thus looking for unique advice. If you have to post on a forum for someone to send back a Skoool.ie link that arrives at the top of a Google search result, then something is wrong.

I don't mean to be rude/mean, but some people (who may/may not have been looking for an argument) who take a phrase (we've established was warranted) and turn it into a two page argument need to look at what's wrong. M&S*, are you a failed Junior Cert. student? Are you even in Secondary School?

I agree that this whole thing is silly, and I feel sillier for getting caught up in this immature argument when my sole intention was to help.

Thanks,
Ed.

WanderingSoul

First of all, Vivara, I did not use google for that link. The OP asked if anyone knew of tutorials so I gave them that link (I was trying to help) as I use that website for science tutorials and I think that they were good. Therefore I was only recommending them . . .

Honestly, I don't think the issue (if there actually is one) is that you posted your maths grade. I earlier pointed out that there have been threads exclusively to point out grades and yes, in your original post it was relevant.

You pointed out that all you wanted to do was help? That was all some others wanted to do too.

WanderingSoul

I'd also like to add that the person who responded to your first post said they did not understand it, not that there was anything wrong with it. I commend you on your advice (yes it is "unique advice") but I don't think that poster intended to "defame" your method. They were simply commenting that they didn't understand your method.

bluejay14

You're going about this very diplomatically Wandering.

I think the best thing to do is just to forget abot the whole thing and try to answer the original question.

Luno

Vivara wrote: »

I don't mean to be rude/mean, but some people (who may/may not have been looking for an argument) who take a phrase (we've established was warranted) and turn it into a two page argument need to look at what's wrong. M&S*, are you a failed Junior Cert. student? Are you even in Secondary School?

I agree that this whole thing is silly, and I feel sillier for getting caught up in this immature argument when my sole intention was to help.

Thanks,
Ed.

When did this have anything to do with this thread? :pac:

No need to attack others on here for posting links that they thought would be useful,

I mean fair enough if you think yours was the best but you're pretty much saying that everyone elses advice was rubbish?

If I was the OP I would find everyone elses advice more useful than yours!

bluejay14

Where's Fad when you need him to sort these things out?:rolleyes:

WanderingSoul

Thank you Aine & Mary.

Luno

bluejaymraz wrote: »

Where's Fad when you need him to sort these things out?:rolleyes:

Noo I know I'll probably get banned but it's just getting to me now!

WanderingSoul

Tell me about it! I thought he was omnipresent? :pac:

WanderingSoul

M&S* wrote: »

Noo I know I'll probably get banned but it's just getting to me now!

Yeah, you may want to calm down a bit . . .

Luno

WanderingSoul wrote: »

Yeah, you may want to calm down a bit . . .

This thread should be closed, way too off topic & the OP got a bit of advice on what to do.
Tbh this would be better off in teaching & lecturing the replies would be more . . . Practical ?

bluejay14

'spose he's out partying somewhere - leaving us to our own devices.

Luno

When Fads away the JC's will play . . .

WanderingSoul

He hasn't been on for 2 days (just checked). Fair enough though, I'm thankful for all the mods & admins that volunteer their time! Piste (our other mod) logged off earlier this evening.

Maybe we should talk to the cmods? Or we could just leave it and let them deal with it when they are back online . . .

WanderingSoul

Just checked; the Cmods aren't on either! :pac:

bluejay14

meh, they'll get here in their own time.I think that we'v eresilved the issue ourselves anyway:)

ToasterSparks

Hi, I'm still reading the thread, I just don't log in most of the time unless I need to reply to the thread.

As regards searching for tutorials/notes online - yes, of course I did, but some of them get too technical too quickly and I didn't want to overcomplicate things.

But trailing on for three pages when two of them amount to off-topic matters is ridiculous. Thanks for everyone that commented in a constructive way.

Mods can feel free to lock this thread

Evan93

Before i approcah an algebraic equation I always think of the concept: 8=8, therefore when i bring the 8 n the right hand side over 8-8= 0 . So lets say i have : x + 3 = 7 . I just use the " 8 " concept , I bring the 3 across and i get 4. So if i put 4 in for x i get 7=7.

When multiplying, I think the when i want 2 get x by itself i multiply across the whole equation buy 1 divided by the number multiplied by x which will therefore can the number multiplied by x, and on the other side you have the number now divided by the number that used to be with x.


I hope this helped and I don't appreciate how people ruined the thread by pointless bickering.

OP I hope your brother has a better grasp of algebra now, I didn't really understand it until half way throught 3rd year and everything just "clicked". He will be fine.

Fad

bluejaymraz wrote: »

'spose he's out partying somewhere - leaving us to our own devices.

Urgh, the one weekend I have no internet access something like this happens....

I was actually out partying, I managed to cycle to Galway, so celebrations were in order!

Imma lock this and then sort it out once I'm bothered reading it......