Teaching Standards Washington State – Secondary Mathematics

Preparation for teaching the common core state standards – Mathematics 5-12

 

Algebra Domain

 

Overview

Mathematics teacher candidates must be able to express computations in general terms abstracting from specific instances. They must be able to read mathematical expressions with comprehension and analyze its underlying structure. They also have to be able to write an equivalent expression to exhibit a different aspect of its meaning. Algebraic manipulation involves the properties of operations and exponents and algebraic notation. Teacher candidates have to be able to also use technology to experiment with algebraic expressions and to understand how algebraic expressions behave.

Connections to Function and Modeling.

Functions are defined by algebraic expressions and different expression can represent the same function. Questions on how two functions behave leads to an equation; by graphing two functions it helps us on finding an estimation of the solution for the equation. Writing equations, inequalities, or systems from verbal descriptions, is an essential skill for mathematical modeling.

Learning Targets (Indicators)

Teacher candidates will be able to:

• Interpret the structures of expressions.
• Solve problems by writing algebraic expressions in equivalent forms.
• Perform arithmetic with polynomial and rational expressions.
• Create equations to describe number relationships.
• To solve equations, systems of equations, inequalities, and to explain the reasoning behind them.
• To represent and graph equations, systems of equations, and inequalities.
• To use technology to represent expressions and to investigate their behavior with change.
• Explain the history and cultural implications of algebra in the modern world.

~ Laura & Lisa ~