Maths Reduced: Solving Sharing Problems

Algebra; solving sharing problems

Background: The MathsReduced series of 21 Apps has been developed around a philosophy of learning based on beliefs such as:

1. The mathematics that exists today has frequently developed as a result of mankind needing to have reliable methods for solving practical everyday problems.

2. Over the centuries, the teaching of mathematics has sometimes seemed to have moved significantly away from its practical, and often relatively simple origins. We in MathsReduced believe that the present learning and teaching of mathematics, and especially algebra, has sometimes lost sight of the critical question Why Mathematics?

3. Consequently, the MathsReduced series of Apps on Introductory Algebra, has the following main aims:

- To remove what is sometimes seen as a sense of strangeness or

- To clearly convey the importance of solving practical everyday

- To stress the importance of a consistent approach to the

- To use the various characteristics of a computer-based device to the

- In other words to bring the subject of Algebra to life
mystery from Algebra problems in the world of Algebra understanding of algebraic problems, their description, and ultimately their solution maximum degree when solving algebraic problems

App2: An overview

App2 shows how algebra can be used to solve 3 different sharing problems. There is a particular emphasis on encouraging the student to develop a consistent method of problem solving in algebra. A movement in Algebra from mainly using everyday language to the development over the years of a more symbolic, and in some ways a somewhat strange language of its own.