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Topic: Expressions vs Equations
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Subject:   RE: Expressions vs Equations
Author: LFS
Date: Jan 27 2011
I am wondering if we are putting too much emphasis on the "definitions" of
expressions and equations for 2 reasons.
1. We say an expression has no "equals" sign and then we give the problem.
Simplify: 3(x+2)-4x+5 To answer this question the student must then write
"equals" signs, i.e. 3(x+2)-4x+5=3x+6-4x+5=-x+11. Isn't this
confusing?
2. Our main concern is that the student understand the difference between what
we do with expressions, equations and functions. This is why I really liked the
youtube video Susan made - the emphasis was on where these mathematical objects
come from and what we do and why with each of them.
I think the math is important and not so much the words. Just my thoughts :)
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