Creating our own Algebra Tricks~!!

Today we experimented with some more algebraic operations. It was fun figuring out the #3 trick using the blocks and disks. And -- it was even more fun watching you try to create your own math trick to "torture" your friends and family!

Here are the steps to the trick you created:

Think of any number
add 21
triple the result
subtract 42
divide by 3
subtract your original number
multiply by 9
subtract 20
subtract 6
add 26

And what is your result? 21 !!

This was so much fun, I want each of you to come up with your own math trick using the same process we used today. Gather up some items that can actually stand in for the numbers (like the blocks and disks we used today), and then get busy!

Once you have created your algebra problem, AND you have practiced it several times and on several people to make sure it works, please post in here in response to this blog post.

NOTE: if you practice your trick and it doesn't work, review your steps to see if you can figure out where the problem is. Ask yourself, is it too long? is it too complicated? are there too many opportunities for the person to make a mistake? then revisit your problem and see if you can make the appropriate adjustments.

I can't wait to see your original math tricks!

Also -- don't forget to look at the post below and try out the online equation buster -- its actually pretty fun and its good practice too!

See you next Thursday!