Children Use Algebra Everyday to Solve Problems
Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving Skills are Used in Algebra
Jul 1, 2008
Children need to learn practical applications of algebra and rational, to avoid their common complaint of why do they need to learn algebra. Practical applications of algebra allow it to become personal to children, which is important for understanding.
Algebra and Logical Reasoning
Algebra teaches children logical reasoning and problem solving skills when it comes to many situations in life. For example:
- Children want to go to the movies. Their parents need to drive them, so when do they leave to go to the movies?
- If the parents drive the short way it will take 15 minutes. If there is a lot of traffic, it could take longer. So what time do they need to leave to make sure they make the 7:00 PM movie?
Does this problem sound familiar? Sounds like the old train problem from math textbooks. If the train leaves the station at …..!
In this case, algebra is used when trying to figure out how long it will take to get to movies when traffic and time are the variable “X.”
Using Algebra to Solve Problems
Solving algebra problems requires identifying variables. For example some friends are going to build a skate board half pipe.
- They draw a model to determine how tall and long to make it.
- They draw various representations of the half pipe from different angles.
- Then calculate how much wood needed and sizes, so it does not collapse.
- Now they calculate how much material is needed to make the surface of the half pipe smooth.
There are several of variables used in this problem, along with rational numbers to make calculations to build a skate board half pipe.
Logically thinking through something to obtain the best results typically involves algebra. For example:
- Children want to jump their bike off a ramp for a distance of at least 15 feet.
- They measure the height of the ramp and length of the run up distance.
The ramp height and run up distance are the variables and rational numbers used in this practical use of algebra.
Sports and Algebra
When children play sports they have to mentally determine the angle to throw the ball to make an accurate throw. They know the approximate distance, but need to determine how much force to apply to throw or kick a ball.
Algebra applies to soccer when one player kicks the ball to another player or into the goal. Mental calculations occur as children consider their options (variables and rational numbers) for how to kick the ball (angles and force) to make a goal.
Additional Uses of Algebra
When children have limited money and want to go an amusement park with their friends. They need to budget their money to make sure they have enough for the whole day.
- Mental algebra is used to determine costs of rides, options for purchasing gifts, and of course having money to eat.
Almost every math problem which involves money, time, distance, perimeter of a fence or skate ramp, volume of something, comparing prices, rent something – cost versus time, and similar situations are solved using algebra.
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