reSolve: Algebra – Addition chain

This lesson explores making algebraic generalisations of sequences. Students use spreadsheets to investigate potential arithmetic relationships and then use algebra to identify and justify which relationships are generally true. The task can be used as a springboard for an in-depth exploration of the Fibonacci sequence, and develops skills in using spreadsheets. The lessons are outlined in detail including curriculum links, vocabulary, materials needed, sample answers, discussion points and student resources such as spreadsheets. This sequence is part of the reSolve: Maths by Inquiry program.

Additional details

Year level(s) Year 8
Audience Teacher
Purpose Teaching resource
Format Downloadable resources
Teaching strategies and pedagogical approaches Mathematics investigation
Keywords factors, pronumerals, distributivity, simplification (Algebra), maths investigations

Curriculum alignment

Curriculum connections Technologies, Numeracy, STEM/STEAM
Strand and focus Algebra, Build understanding, Apply understanding
Topics Patterns and algebra, Algebraic expressions
AC: Mathematics (V9.0) content descriptions
AC9M8A01
Create, expand, factorise, rearrange and simplify linear expressions, applying the associative, commutative, identity, distributive and inverse properties

Numeracy progression Number patterns and algebraic thinking (P7)

Copyright details

Organisation

ReSolve: Maths by Inquiry

Copyright

© Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment 2021. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.