I think we have something worse than Everyday Math, which we struggled with last year. My now 11 y.o. son did very well last year with a last year in NYC Public schools (at least by their standards-low 4 in both reading and math). He is now in a gifted program in p.s. New math book seems incomprehensible-Impact Mathematics-Algebra and More 2004 Edition. (Not on Impactmath web-site yet.)
Here is tonights question: 1. Below are the first term and a rule for a sequence
First term:20
Rule: Write the number that is 2 units from the preceding number on the number line.
a. Give the first few terms of two sequences that fit the rule.
b. Rewrite the rule so that only one of your sequence is correct.
The point of the exercise, I think, is that if you are not clear in your directions, you can have 2 different, but correct answers to the question. The definition of term is an item in a sequence.
We were recently introduced to Pascal’s triangle, which is new to me , but at least somewhat understandable.
Sorry I had to come on as guest:could not register tonight.
math problem
Thank you. It is now crystal clear, and I guess we were all reading more into into it than was necessary.
This vocabulary is very high for a sixth grader, but the problem is actually very simple (once you get past the vocabulary).
Term = item (number or value or diagram) in a sequence
Sequence = collection of terms that follows some pattern or rule
Rule = procedure(s) to follow to find the next (and more) term(s)
Prece[e]ding number = the term before the term you are focusing on
The stated rule (and its vocabulary) creates the confusion:
“Write the number that is 2 units from the prece[e]ding number on the number line.”
The confusion lies with the phrase “2 units from the prece[e]ding number” because “from” could me going to the left (on the number line) or going to the right.
I believe all the question is asking for is two possible sequences of
(1) 20, 22, 24, 26…
(2) 20, 18, 16, 14…
Therefore, you would have to fix the rule to contain either directional instructions (left or right) or possibly operational instructions (add or subtract) to refine the rule to have only one possible series.
Hope this helps!