Teacher: A selection of cards, that we recommend printing out and laminising (coat in plastic), to provide a class set of each.

Apprentice mathemagicians: The first two word document buttons are the rules of the game, first for equations where letters ("hidden" numbers) are on one side of the equals sign only (first three "other file" buttons below) , the second for the equations cards where the letters are on both sides of the equals sign (last two "other file" buttons below). "Apprentice" is the easiest level, "Scholar" the intermediate level and "Mathmagician" master level. Best of luck!

Why we like this activity....
Work with your partner(s) to explore the many different methods there are for solving the many different types of equations you are likely to come across. Are some methods more efficient i.e. allow you to find the hidden number that 'x' represents, more quickly than others?

How this activity can be used....
Determine the most efficient methods for finding the hidden 'x' number and hence become class champions in this game of cards. May the best team win!

What to expect when using this activity, from our experience...
A lot of help from your classmates. Are you hungry to start earning a living and be your own person? Well, one of the most useful skills, whatever your future work ambitions, is the humility and willingness to listen to other people, check you've understood what they are trying to say and then use it - it will save you a lot of time if you can learn from someone else (and then improve their method maybe!) than reinvent the wheel yourself every time (others are unlikely to be impressed, the wheel's been around a long time!).

Extra notes
Enjoy! Can you get faster? Try a harder set of cards? Make your own cards?

 

Oliver Bowles 18.08.09