Algebra: Introduction and Pattern

Algebra

Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses mathematical statements to describe relationships between things that vary over time. Algebra is about finding the unknown or it is about putting real life problems into equations and then solving them (Rusell, 2010).

There are two patterns in algebra which are repeating and growing.

Repeating pattern refers to a sequence or set which is repeated over and over. Meanwhile, growing pattern is still a repetition of a set or sequence but in each repetition, there is an addition of any attributes e.g. quantity or shape.

There are five processes involved in pattern – recognize, copy, extend, create and translate.  Recognizing a pattern is the process to detect the foundational idea in the pattern.

Copying a pattern refers to the process to detect the foundational idea and re-create, copy or describe a pattern.

When a pattern is extended, the set of elements is expanded to a larger set, and the rule is extended across the larger set.

Example:

In this example, from two block, the blocks extends to become four block, six blocks and eight blocks. 

Create a pattern is the ability to come up with a new pattern using the same foundational idea and retaining the rule.

Translate a pattern refers to the ability to identify the rule and represent the pattern using different elements.