“I don’t do math! Do you?”

Have you ever made this statement? Would you say that you couldn’t read? Do we view math as the “difficult” subject? Can math be fun?

By: Lee Alford ED 503

Overview Math anxiety Variables Word phrases Algebraic expressions Evaluating Algebraic expressions

Overcoming Math Anxiety What is math anxiety? A stress, tension, and/or strain on the body and mind, often due to a negative experience in math.

3 Factors that affect math anxiety: Achievement Power Personal relationships

Individual achievement levels affect anxiety levels. Do you … Set high goals? Self-motivate? Become stressed when goals aren’t achieved?

If you answered yes to any question, you may suffer from math anxiety.

If you lose control, you lose power which affects anxiety levels.

Have your parents ever made negative comments about math? Did your teacher ever say “That’s just the way it is”? Did anyone ever tell you to memorize the steps?

Overcoming math anxiety begins with a positive attitude! Positive self-image Positive personal relationships Positive goals Positive outlook Positive teaching

overcome, this article is helpful. Coping with Math Anxiety can be overcome, this article is helpful. Coping with Math Anxiety

Resources for help overcoming math anxiety: Math for the Anxious: building basic skills by Rosanne Proga, McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Boston, ISBN X. Conquering Math Anxiety, 2 nd edition, by Cynthia Arem, Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning. Pacifica Grove, CA, ISBN Mastering Mathematics, How to Be a Great Math Student, 3 rd edition, by Richard Manning Smith. Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning. Pacifica Grove, CA, ISBN

Variables What is a variable? Something with ability to change, in math it is represented by a letter or symbol.

Word phrases Eight more than three times a number How do you express this mathematically?

3x + 8 In Algebra, a variable is a symbol used to represent any element of a given set of numbers. The numerical expression below is the answer. The numerical expression below is the answer.

Algebraic expressions Of what operations do the following words math you think? Timesdivided byaddsum Lessmoresubtracthalf Quotientdiminisheddecreasedincreased Twicedifferenceproductfactor

Evaluating Algebraic expressions What does it mean to evaluate? How is an evaluation different from an expression?

Evaluate is to find a value; to calculate numerically Express is to represent by a sign, symbol, &/or words vs.

Algebraic expressions help solve word problems. Reading comprehension helps translate words into numbers and symbols. Practice makes Progress, click here for some practice! click here click here

Final Thoughts Algebra and all math is a universal language where: Attitude is everything Ability depends on confidence Confidence depends on attitude

I do math, do you?