The Visual / Auditory / Symbolic / Kinesthetic Approach to Algebra

Algebraic Computation - Use the Same Rules As Integer Computation.

Algebraic Addition

To Add:
1st: Represent each addend with tiles.
2nd: Simplify, if possible, by pairing a positive with a negative to make a zero.
3rd: What's left is the sum.
ADD.

Algebraic Subtraction

Subtraction by "Adding the Opposite"
1st: Represent the first number, the minuend. Represent the first number.
2nd: Represent the opposite of the second number.
3rd: Simplify, if possible, by pairing a positive with a negative to make a zero.
4th: What's left is the difference.
SUBTRACT.

Subtraction by "Taking Away"
1st: Represent the first number, the minuend. Represent the first number.
2nd: Add enough zeros so the second number may be removed.
3rd: Remove the second number.
4th: What's left is the difference.
SUBTRACT.


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