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How can one rule describe many different number examples?
Explore algebra & patterns with Al-Karaji, then try the activity below.
The legacy behind the lesson
Al-Karaji developed algebra after the work of al-Khwarizmi.
His work treated algebraic quantities using operations such as multiplication.
He described powers such as x, x squared, and x cubed, and rules for multiplying them.
“How can one rule describe many different number examples?”
Build a pattern and explain it
Gather: Paper and large paper squares.
- 1
Make a row with one square, then another with two, then another with three.
- 2
Draw the next two rows before adding the squares.
- 3
Count the total after each row and write the numbers in a table.
- 4
Describe the rule in your own words. Ask someone to predict the next total.