The Algebraic Reasoning Unit involves analyzing numerical patterns and the relationships between addition and subtraction; multiplication and division in order to answer questions such as:

• What models can be used to represent addition and subtraction situations?

• What models can be used to represent multiplication and division situations?

• Given a multiplication or division situation, how can you generate an equation in which the unknown is either a missing factor or a missing product?

• Given an equation with a missing factor or a missing product, how can you create a situation to match it?

• How can a table of real-world number pairs help to generate multiplication or division equations to represent the relationships in the table?

Math Concepts and Skills: 

The student creates and analyzes patterns and uses the relationships to solve problems.

The student:

• creates, represents and solves one- and two-step problems involving the four operations with whole numbers using a variety of models and equations.

• describes a multiplication expression as a comparison such as 3 x 24 represents 3 times as much as 24.

• finds the unknown whole number in a multiplication or division equation relating three whole numbers when the unknown is either a missing factor or product.

• represents real-world relationships using number pairs in a table and verbal descriptions such as 1 insect has 6 legs, 2 insects have 12 legs, and so forth.