See-saw numbers
This is a level 3 algebra strand activity from the Figure It Out series. A PDF of the student activity is included.
About this resource
Figure It Out is a series of 80 books published between 1999 and 2009 to support teaching and learning in New Zealand classrooms.
This resource provides the teachers' notes and answers for one activity from the Figure It Out series. A printable PDF of the student activity can be downloaded from the materials that come with this resource.
Specific learning outcomes;
- Use <, >, = symbols in equations.
See-saw numbers
Achievement objectives
NA3-6: Record and interpret additive and simple multiplicative strategies, using words, diagrams, and symbols, with an understanding of equality.
Required materials
- number balance
- a classmate
- Figure It Out, Level 3, Algebra, "See-saw numbers", page 19
See Materials that come with this resource to download:
- See-saw numbers activity (.pdf)
Activity
Check that students know how to convert a number balance to an equation, for example, 7 x 1 + 3 x 1 = 5 x 2.
Questions 1c to 1f are an opportunity to introduce the use of brackets, for example,
7 + 5 + (2 x 3) < 3 + 5 + (2 x 7) rather than 7 + 5 + 3 + 3 < 3 + 5 + 7 + 7.
See also Answers and Teachers’ Notes: Algebra, Figure It Out, Levels 2–3, page 26.
1.
a. 7 + 3 > 3 + 6
b. 9 + 7 = 2 x 8 [or 9 + 7 = 8 + 8]
c. 2 x 8 > 2 x 6 [or 8 + 8 > 6 + 6]
d. 7 + 5 + (2 x 3) < 3 + 5 + (2 x 7) [or 7 + 5 + 3 + 3 < 3 + 5 + 7 + 7]
e. 4 + (2 x 2) = 2 + 6 [or 4 + 2 + 2 = 2 + 6]
f. (2 x 8) + 3 + 1 > 1 + (2 x 9) [or 8 + 8 + 3 + 1 > 1 + 9 + 9]
2.
Answers will vary.
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