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Show Fair Forever . , . ' • - " , 100 I grin and Katie grins back: "So, remernbering the equation you just solved, let's write it another way, this time knowing the answer is six, but not knowing what all the other numbers are!" I write: ' . 2(x)=6/. :.. ,. '-.•:, 7 • ; •• . . . ' • ' - .:•;. .! . ' • ' ' I point to the equation directly above. "This is the same equation as before, but this time the brains who invented algebra are asking us to solve forX. So, instead of multiplying 2 times a number we don't know, we're forced to perform the algebra trick, and do the opposite of multiplication, which is . . . "Division," Katie answers. > "Right!"•••;. , . . -7 . •-. ;, ."• Katie's eyes suddenly light up. "I get it! The answer is three, just like in the . equation, and you know that because six divided by two is three!" I lean back in my chair and raise my arms. "Congratulations!" "Puleeeze!" Lindley moans. I fold my test and return it to my book. "Katie, you just need someone who can explain algebra the easy way-without using paving blocks and pivot boards." ' She looks at her Class Change form and stuffs it in her backpack. "What about the game," she asks. "Are you coming? Can you help then?" - . "Sure," I say. But I'm still uncertain. |