This book contributes to a growing body of research relevant to efforts to make algebra an integral part of early mathematics instruction, an area of studies that has come to be known as Early Algebra. It provides both a rationale for promoting algebraic reasoning in the elementary school curriculum and empirical data to support it. The authors…

This paper illustrates a different conception of arithmetic, an arithmetic with reasons as well as rules. This arithmetic includes making connections between different representations and making sense of rules as well as using them. It provides a foundation for "Algebra the Web of Knowledge and Skill" in the sense that algebra can be…

Discusses: (1) use of matrix techniques to write secret codes (includes ready-to-duplicate worksheets); (2) a method of multiplication and division of polynomials in one variable that is not tedius, time-consuming, or dependent on guesswork; and (3) adding and subtracting rational expressions and solving rational equations. (JN)

Produces algebraic solutions by reducing the problems to equations and arithmetic solutions that do not use variables. Investigates how the arithmetic solution helps students better understand the problem before they approach it algebraically and how logic used in solving the problem arithmetically can be directly linked to the algebraic…

An approach to teaching factors and terms is offered that builds directly on students' knowledge of arithmetic. Errors arising from factor and term confusions are noted, followed by the pedagogical strategy of exploration, invention, and discovery. (MNS)

Illustrates how many key algebraic concepts can be informally developed within the number and operations strand taught in the primary grades. Discusses expressions and equations, properties and conventions, relationships between operations, and variables from this perspective. (ASK)

Discusses the characteristics of repeating decimals to facilitate the translation of repeating decimals to fractions. Describes the algebraic and arithmetic methods for converting the repeating decimal. Illustrates arithmetic operations for n-digit integer. Eight references are listed. (YP)

One of the four cornerstones of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" asserts that connecting mathematics to other subjects in the curriculum and to the everyday world is an important goal of school mathematics. This yearbook is designed to help classroom…

This program is designed to enable students to master the competencies and skills which reflect the learning goals and objectives developed by the Illinois State Board of Education. This document lists the learning objectives by grade level and reporting period for kindergarten through grade three. Topics included are arithmetic, measurement,…

Examines several uses of the word cancel and suggests alternative terminology. In particular, arithmetic and algebraic examples are used to illustrate problems associated with the term cancel. (PK)

Example of magic tricks that can be used as an integral part of various lessons in arithmetic and algebra are given. Their mathematical basis is also discussed. (MNS)

This book offers ideas to enrich instruction and help teachers explore the intrinsic beauty of math. Through dozens of examples from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and probability, the symmetries, patterns, processes, paradoxes, and surprises that have facilitated generations of great thinkers are revealed. Activities include: (1) The Beauty in…

Analogies between topics in algebra and in arithmetic are noted. It is suggested that algebra teachers should consider how to take advantage of student backgrounds in arithmetic by exploiting these analogies. (MP)

Drawing from research and observations at Lansing Community College (Michigan) (LCC), this paper argues that typical arithmetic courses do little to prepare students to master algebra, and proposes an alternative set of arithmetic skills as actual prerequisites to algebra. The first section offers a description of the algebra sequence at LCC,…

This booklet is a collection of 45 problems that have appeared in the Problem Department of the journal "School Science and Mathematics." The booklet is divided into four parts. The first part presents 20 cryptarithms, puzzles in which letters or symbols are substituted for the digits in an arithmetical calculation, that require knowledge of…