Having students use multiple representations for the same situation helps them develop an understanding of the connections among them. The opportunity to verbally explain these different representations and their connections provides the foundation for more formal expressions. A fundamental skill in algebra is the evaluation of expressions and the solution of equations and inequalities . This process will be easier to understand if it is related to situations which give them meaning. Expressions, equations, and inequalities should arise from students' exploration in a variety of areas such as statistics, probability, and geometry.
Elementary students begin constructing and solving open sentences.
The use of concrete materials and calculators allow them to explore solutions to real-life situations. Gradually, students are led to expand these informal methods to include graphical solutions and formal methods. The relationship between the solutions of equations and the graphs of the related functions must be stressed regularly. In summary, there are algebraic concepts and skills which all students must know and apply confidently regardless of their ultimate career. To assure that all children have access to such learning, algebraic thinking must be woven throughout the entire fabric of the mathematics curriculum.