Algebraic Concepts

Week 1 - Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
During this week, students will be introduced to order of operations. In an expression with more than one operation, we use the rules called order of operations. Ex. 1. Parenthesis 2. Exponents 3. Multiplication or Division 4. Addition or Subtraction. This order spells our "PEMDAS." When completing problems, students will learn to do all multiplication and division from left to right. They will also learn to do all addition and subtraction in order from left to right, just like reading a book. Several examples will be given to ensure understanding. 
Week 2 - Function Tables
During this week, students will learn that a function shows the relationship between an input amount and an output amount. A function table shows the relationship between pairs of numbers. The relationship is defined by a rule, and this rule applies to all the pairs of numbers on the table. Usually the input is labeled (x) and the output is labeled (y). Students will learn the function table can be set up vertically or horizontally. The variables x and y are usually used  for an unknown value but other letters can be used. Several examples will be given to ensure student understanding. 
Week 3 - Graphing Patterns and Relationships in the Coordinate Plane
During this week students will learn number patterns, function tables and equations can be shown in graphs on a coordinate plane. The graph gives an easy visual way to solve problems, and to make predictions bases on the patterns seen on the graph. Students will learn the coordinate plane is formed by perpendicular number lines called axes. The horizontal line is the x-axis. The vertical line is the y-axis. The point at which the x and y axes intersect is called the origin. The coordinates of the origin are (0,0). Several examples will be given to ensure student understanding.