Algebraic Thinking

Crystal Avila
Audrea Sanchez

Algebraic Thinking
Forms of Algebraic reasoning:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Generalizations from arithmetic and from patterns in all of mathematics

Meaningful use of symbols
Study of structures in the number system
Study of patterns and functions
Process of mathematical modeling, integrating the first four list items

Generalization from Arithmetic and from

Patterns

Generalization with Addition

Generalizations in the Hundreds Chart
Generalizations Through Exploring a Pattern

Meaningful Use of Symbols

The Meaning of the Equal Sign

Equal Sign as a Balance

True/False and Open Sentences
Relational Thinking
Open Sentences
73+56= 71+
True/False:
674-389= 654-379
5x84= 10x42

Meaningful Use of Symbols

The Meaning of Variables

Variables Used as Unknown Values

3+x=7
3x=15
Simplifying Expressions and Equations
Variables Used as Quantities That Vary
4+x=y
y=4x+3

Making Structure in the Number System

Explicit

Making Conjectures about Properties

Justifying Conjectures
Odd and Even Relationships

Study of Patterns and Functions

Repeating Patterns

Identifying and Extending Repeating Patterns

Predicting with Repeating Patterns: Linking to Divisibility
Using Real Contexts
Number Patterns

Study of Patterns and Functions

Growing Patterns

Recursive Patterns and Formulas

Explicit Formulas
Graphs of Functions
Graphs and Contexts
Graphs and Rate of Change

Study of Patterns and Functions

Linear Functions

Rate of Change and Slope

Zero Slope and No Slope
Proportional and Nonproportional Situations
y=mx
y=mx+b
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Teaching Considerations

Emphasize Appropriate Algebra Vocabulary

Independent and Dependent Variables

Discrete and Continuous
Domain and Range

Multiple Representations

Context
Table
Verbal Description
Symbols
Graphs

Teaching Considerations

Connect Representations
Algebraic Thinking Across the Curriculum

Measurement and Algebra

Data and Algebra
Experiments
Scatter Plots