MTHE 753 - Concepts of Algebra: Content and Pedagogy

2 Units
The course offers an in-depth study of the underlying concepts and relationships of algebra that build bridges from arithmetic to algebra. An exploration of four distinct ways to conceptualize algebra leads to an understanding of algebra as generalized arithmetic, as a study of procedures for solving certain kinds of problems, as the study of relationships among quantities and as the study of structures. The exploration is designed to lead students to a deep understanding of the various uses of variables, of elementary functions, their graphs and associated notation, of the relationship between problems and equations representing those problems, of solving both linear and quadratic equations and of the real number system as an extension of the rational numbers. Special emphasis is given to proportional reasoning and the Pythagorean relationship.
May not be audited