Please note: This site contains links to websites not controlled by the Australian Government or ESA. More information here.

reSolve: Algebra: Think of a Number

This lesson explores algebra by generalising results from arithmetic used in 'think of a number' games. Students connect arithmetic operations with algebraic notation and visualisations. The lesson begins with an observation made using arithmetic that students then justify and extend using algebra. The lesson is outlined in detail including curriculum links, vocabulary, materials needed, sample answers, discussion points and student resources such as links to algebra tree web sites. This sequence is part of the reSolve: Mathematics 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, distributivity, simplification, maths investigations, think of a number, THOAN, explicit teaching
Curriculum alignment
Curriculum connections	Numeracy
Strand and focus	Algebra, Apply understanding, Build understanding
Topics	Patterns and algebra
AC: Mathematics content descriptions	ACMNA190 Extend and apply the distributive law to the expansion of algebraic expressions ACMNA191 Factorise algebraic expressions by identifying numerical factors ACMNA192 Simplify algebraic expressions involving the four operations
National numeracy learning progression	Number patterns and algebraic thinking - NPA7
Copyright details
Organisation	reSolve Maths by Inquiry
Copyright	© Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment 2021. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.