Learning Pre-Algebra: Help for Struggling Students

Teaching Pre-Algebra to Struggling Students

What Is Pre-Algebra?

Topics that are considered part of pre-algebra include number theory and basic algebraic expressions. In a pre-algebra class, students will likely learn to solve equations with one variable, like 10 = 5x.

1) Number Theory: Number theory refers to the different types of integers that students encounter in algebra as well as the rules for handling them. Below is a list of new concepts that are introduced.

a) Numbers

In pre-algebra, students learn how to define, compare, add, subtract, multiply and divide a variety of numerical integers, including:
*Whole numbers
*Integers
*Fractions
*Decimals
*Percents

b) Factors and Prime Numbers

Topics here include:
*Divisibility rules
*Prime numbers
*Composite numbers
*Prime factors

c) Properties

The three primary math properties are:
*Distributive
*Associative
*Commutative

d) Order of Operations

2) Basic Algebra: Some categories of basic algebra are powers, radicals, polynomials as well as solving and graphing equations.

a) Powers and Radicals

Topics include:
*Multiplying and dividing numbers with positive and negative exponents
*Describing and finding square roots and cube roots

b) Polynomials

Defining, adding, subtracting and multiplying polynomials

c) Equations

d) Graphs

Making Pre-Algebra Simple

Learn a Topic One Step at a Time

Students will often struggle with math when the class moves on to the second step of a topic before they are competent with the first one. If you are helping a struggling student, start at the beginning, present only one step and be sure the student understands it and can apply it before going on to the second step.

For example, be sure that the student realizes you can add 2a + 3a because they are like terms, but you can't add a^2 + a^3 because they aren't like terms. Once he or she understands this, then you can show how to multiply a^2 * a^3.

Draw the Process

Students who don't struggle with math may be able to learn a principle, such as the exponent rules, if you just tell them the rule. For example, you'd teach: 'To multiply two like numbers with exponents, simply add the exponents (a^2 * a^3 = a^2+3).'

However, struggling students will usually need you to draw or write out the thinking:

a^2 * a^3 = (a * a) * (a * a * a) or a * a * a * a * a = a^5.

You can then point out, 'This is just the same as if you had added the exponents (2 + 3)!'

Another example is drawing the process of multiplying fractions. To visually depict how to multiply 1/4 x 1/2, divide a square into quarters, or fourths, with vertical lines. Color in one of the sections, which represents 1/4. Then divide the square in half with a horizontal line. Show that half of the colored fourth is 1/8 of the square. You can then explain that if you had multiplied 1/4 x 1/2, you would have the same answer (1/8).

Repetition

As in the example above, (a^2 * a^3), have the students draw the rules in every problem until they know it. Repetition like this can help the student internalize the rule. From that point on, they can use the rule without illustrating it, but periodically have them draw it for you again.

Show Every Step of the Solution

Even though students can use a rule without drawing it out, they should still show every step of solving a problem and be able to explain the rules they used. Even students who find math easy may overlook a step and come up with the wrong answer. Every student needs to always write down every step for solving a problem. That way, you know that they truly know how to solve it.

Practice with Games

Even after students are able to solve problems, games can be good review and can also make problem solving much more fun. Therefore, if there is access to a computer, take advantage of the numerous interactive games on the Internet rather than simply using worksheets to practice pre-algebra skills. Some games that are specifically for pre-algebra practice may be found on YouTube (www.youtube.com). Alternatively, there's 'Operation Order' in the 'All Game' section of Funbrain (www.funbrain.com) and a pre-algebra section of Gamequarium (www.gamequarium.org).