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See-saw Numbers

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Purpose

This is a level 3 algebra strand activity from the Figure It Out series.
A PDF of the student activity is included.

Achievement Objectives
NA3-6: Record and interpret additive and simple multiplicative strategies, using words, diagrams, and symbols, with an understanding of equality.
AO elaboration and other teaching resources
Student Activity

Click on the image to enlarge it. Click again to close. Download PDF (280 KB)

Specific Learning Outcomes

use <, >, = symbols in equations

Required Resource Materials
FIO, Level 3, Algebra, See-saw Numbers, page 19

number balance

classmate

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.

Answers to Activity

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.
 

Attachments
See-sawNumbers.pdf279.17 KB
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Level Three