MIP1502 Assignment 2 2024 (351863) -
DUE 10 June 2024
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
, MIP1502 Assignment 2 2024 (351863) - DUE 10 June 2024
Question 1
1.1 Discuss why mathematics teachers in primary school must be concerned
with the concept of equality as soon learners start writing symbols for
number operations. Justify your reasoning by means of examples. (12)
[12]
Mathematics teachers in primary school must be concerned with the concept of
equality as soon as learners start writing symbols for number operations
because understanding equality is fundamental to developing a solid
mathematical foundation. Here are several reasons why this concept is crucial,
along with examples to illustrate each point:
1. Foundation of Arithmetic Operations
Understanding equality is essential for performing and understanding
arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division. When students grasp that the equals sign (=) signifies that the values
on both sides are the same, they can correctly interpret and solve equations.
Example:
• 3+4=73 + 4 = 73+4=7
• 5×2=105 \times 2 = 105×2=10
In these examples, students must understand that the expressions on the left are
equivalent to the expressions on the right.
2. Building Algebraic Thinking
Early understanding of equality lays the groundwork for algebraic thinking. It
helps students transition from arithmetic to algebra by understanding that the
equals sign indicates a balance or equivalence between two expressions.
Example:
• x+3=5x + 3 = 5x+3=5
• 2y=82y = 82y=8
Recognizing that both sides of the equation must be equal helps students solve
for unknown variables later on.
3. Avoiding Misconceptions
If students misunderstand the concept of equality, they might develop
misconceptions such as viewing the equals sign as a signal to perform an
operation rather than a symbol of equivalence.
Example:
DUE 10 June 2024
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
, MIP1502 Assignment 2 2024 (351863) - DUE 10 June 2024
Question 1
1.1 Discuss why mathematics teachers in primary school must be concerned
with the concept of equality as soon learners start writing symbols for
number operations. Justify your reasoning by means of examples. (12)
[12]
Mathematics teachers in primary school must be concerned with the concept of
equality as soon as learners start writing symbols for number operations
because understanding equality is fundamental to developing a solid
mathematical foundation. Here are several reasons why this concept is crucial,
along with examples to illustrate each point:
1. Foundation of Arithmetic Operations
Understanding equality is essential for performing and understanding
arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division. When students grasp that the equals sign (=) signifies that the values
on both sides are the same, they can correctly interpret and solve equations.
Example:
• 3+4=73 + 4 = 73+4=7
• 5×2=105 \times 2 = 105×2=10
In these examples, students must understand that the expressions on the left are
equivalent to the expressions on the right.
2. Building Algebraic Thinking
Early understanding of equality lays the groundwork for algebraic thinking. It
helps students transition from arithmetic to algebra by understanding that the
equals sign indicates a balance or equivalence between two expressions.
Example:
• x+3=5x + 3 = 5x+3=5
• 2y=82y = 82y=8
Recognizing that both sides of the equation must be equal helps students solve
for unknown variables later on.
3. Avoiding Misconceptions
If students misunderstand the concept of equality, they might develop
misconceptions such as viewing the equals sign as a signal to perform an
operation rather than a symbol of equivalence.
Example:
