Answer:

5

Teacher Notes:

Although algebra is not a commonly heard word in the 3–5 classroom, the mathematical investigations and conversations of students in these grades.  frequently include elements of algebraic reasoning. These experiences not only provide rich contexts for advancing mathematical understanding, they also serve as an important precursor to the more formalized study of algebra in the middle and secondary grades. “Algebraic ideas should emerge and be investigated in grades 3–5 as students

·      identify or build numerical and geometric patterns

·      describe patterns verbally and represent them with tables or symbols

·      look for and apply relationships between varying quantities to make predictions

·      make and explain generalizations that seem to always work in a particular situation

·      use graphs to describe patterns and make predictions

·      explore number properties

use invented notation, standard symbols, and variables to express a pattern, generalization, or situation”1

1 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2000). Principles and standards for school mathematics (pp. 159–160). Reston, VA: Author