1. Historical Perspectives on the Purposes of School Algebra
- Author
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Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia, Ellerton, Nerida F., Kanbir, Sinan, and Clements, M. A.
- Abstract
In this paper, we identify, from historical vantage points, the following six purposes of school algebra: (a) algebra as a body of knowledge essential to higher mathematical and scientific studies, (b) algebra as generalised arithmetic, (c) algebra as a prerequisite for entry to higher studies, (d) algebra as offering a language and set of procedures for modelling real-life problems, (e) algebra as an aid to describing structural properties in elementary mathematics, and (f) algebra as a study of variables. We conclude with brief commentary on the question whether school algebra is a unidimensional field of study.
- Published
- 2017