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Last week, I introduced how mathematicians use algebraic symbols to represent numbers. We used the ascending value method where A=1, B=2, C=3 …. Z=26. One way to connect language and math is to have children convert words to numbers using several different letter valuation methods. The children were asked to add the value of each letter.

Algebraic expressions are letters that we assign to unknown values or to specific values. 

An 11th grade SAT questions asked students to find the number of 3-digit numbers that have a sum of 6. On this ubiquitous test that gains most students entrance to college, you only have a little over a minute to answer the question.

The entire modern world relies on combinatorics. Combinatorics is the branch of mathematics studying finite or countable discrete structures (ESSENTIALLY, HOW MANY WAYS CAN YOU ORDER A SET OF OBJECTS USING A PARTICULAR SET OF RULES?).

We had a great kick-off to our first week of Mathletes for the 2016-2017 season. We started with introductions and name badges asking the children for their favorite number and why.