ICSE Class 6 Maths, Unit 3: Algebra

What this unit aims at

Children have idea of using symbols/letter for numbers from very early classes. Even in class I children use to solve problem like 5+ = 7, + = 9 etc. and in class V they learnt that perimeter of a square is 4 x where x is it’s side. Thus the introduction of this topic should be made through these examples which children are already acquainted with and avoid directly bring the abstract idea of variable, unknowns and constants. The aim of this theme in this class is that children will be enabled to understand algebra as generalization patterns on numbers in term of using a letter of any number. Ultimately children learn that algebra is generalization of arithmetic and hence we use all rules as we have in number operations.

Your child should be able to

• describe variable and unknown through patterns and through appropriate word problems and generalise (example 5 × 1 = 5 , etc.)
• generate patterns with more examples
• understand unknowns through examples with simple contexts (single operations)
• define terminology associated with algebra like literal numbers, terms, expressions, factor, coefficient, polynomials, degree, like and unlike terms
• frame algebraic expressions
• evaluate value of algebraic expressions by substituting a number for the variable

Key concepts in this unit

• Introduction to constants, variable and unknown through patterns and through appropriate word problems and generalisations (For example 1+3=22, 1+3+5=32, 1+3+5+7=42 , sum of first n odd numbers = n2.…
• Generate such patterns with more examples and generalisation.
• Introduction to unknowns through examples with simple contexts (single operations)
• Terminology associated with algebra- like literal numbers, terms, expressions, factor, coefficient, polynomials, degree, like and unlike terms.
• Framing algebraic expressions.
• Evaluation of algebraic expressions by substituting a value for the variable.
• Introduction to linear equation in one variable.