Hands vs Algebra Balance

"Great intro to Algebra!" This Hands-On Equations Level 3 app is intended for students who have already completed Level 1 and 2 of Hands-On Equations and who would like the challenge of more sophisticated equations involving negative numbers. In Level 3, the student solves equations such as 4x – (-4) = -8 and 3(-x) + 2 = -10 + x, which contain negative constants. The green numbered cube, which represents the opposite of the red numbered cube, is introduced at this level. Since the red and green number cubes are opposite of each other, their value is zero and may therefore be removed from, or added to, either side of the scale without affecting the balance. Students become fluent in adding and subtracting integers and understand that subtracting a value gives the same result as adding its opposite. A video introduction is provided for each lesson. (See the sample YouTube video at http://youtu.be/VFYQ47EAqZw.) Each video introduction is followed by two examples and ten exercises. It is essential for the student to view the lesson video prior to attempting the examples and exercises for that lesson. Hands-On Equations is the ideal introduction to algebra for elementary and middle school students. Not only will students have fun and be fascinated with the program, their sense of self-esteem will be dramatically enhanced as they experience success with sophisticated algebraic equations. High school students struggling with algebra will likely experience success and understanding for the first time as they work with this app. More information on Hands-On Equations can be found at www.borenson.com and on YouTube.

Algebra Balance provides teachers and parents with an educational tool for demonstrating and practicing methods for solving for x given an algebraic equation with one variable. Using the Algebra Balance teachers will want to encourage students to build expressions using blocks and balloons. Blocks represent positive values and balloons represent negative values. Once two equal expressions are shown, the student is challenged to analyze the equation and then begin a procedure for simplification in order to find the value of x that will solve the equation. Active learning begins by moving blocks or balloons onto the balance scale. By choosing the appropriate terms the student defines two expressions. Interactively the balance shows the relationship between the two expressions. The goal is for the student to solve for x by manipulating the balance. Terms are added and subtracted from both sides and the results are immediately displayed on the screen. Visualization helps make algebra less abstract. By representing equivalent expressions on the left and right side of the balance students develop an intuitive understanding of algebra.