Initial Publication Date: April 12, 2016
What should the student get out of this module?<a></a>
After completing this module, a student should be able to:
- Understand the basic rules of rearranging equations.
- Know how to apply the simple steps for rearranging equations.
- Recognize examples of solving simultaneous equations that are commonly seen in macroeconomics and microeconomics.
What we don't include on this page
This module does not include a treatment of rearranging more complicated equations that include functions such as the logarithmic or exponential functions. It also does not explain how to undo exponents.
Why is it difficult for students?
- Algebraic thinking requires abstract thought. Students can struggle with rearranging equations because they struggle with abstract nature of variables.
- Students also struggle with identifying the correct order of operations, and knowing how to apply this in reverse when undoing an equation.