Ratios, proportions, and algebraic thinking for sixth grade students.
Algebraic thinking is about using symbols, like letters, to represent numbers in math problems. It helps you solve puzzles where you don’t know all the numbers right away.
A variable is a letter (like x or y) that stands for a number you don’t know yet. An expression uses numbers, variables, and operations (like +, -, ×, ÷).
You can write an equation to show that two things are equal. For example, “If I have x apples and get 3 more, I have 7 apples” becomes:
\[ x + 3 = 7 \]
Algebra helps you solve real-life problems, from shopping to planning a trip!
Don’t worry if it seems weird at first. With practice, you’ll become a symbol superstar!
If you spent $5 and have $10 left, how much did you start with? Let x be the starting amount: x - 5 = 10.
If y + 4 = 9, what is y? Subtract 4 from both sides to get y = 5.
Algebraic thinking uses letters to stand for numbers and helps you solve problems.