Is Algebra allowed for PSLE Math?

[phtthp]

fionachia0034\" post_id=\"2103726\" time=\"1680362237\" user_id=\"201257:

My son's Pri.5 teacher told the class that Algebra is strictly NOT allowed in her class, or else else no marks will be awarded for the workings.

I quote the teacher :

\"If I see let 'x' be oranges and 'y' be bananas, no method mark. If I see equations '2x + 3y = 50' also no method mark. If you use Algebra and you get correct, only answer marks will be given.\"

Is this true? I have been teaching my son Algebra since young and his Pri.3 and Pri.4 teacher did not make any such comment previously.

A few parents complained to the school, but the HOD backed the teacher. The HOD said that MOE officially accepts Algebra for use in the PSLE Math exam, but during the marking of the PSLE Math paper, no method marks will be credited if the final answer is wrong. In other words, the student has only 2 possible outcomes if they use Algebra, either get full marks or zero marks for the question. That is why the HOD set a policy to blanket ban Algebra.

Should we make an official complaint to MOE?

Fiona,

You are the author, for this thread.
So,
let us all
refer back to your original posting, found on page 1, word by word.

You mentioned formulating this equation, yourself :-

2x + 3y = 50

Inside your comments, above.

However,
when u start introducing 2 variables (x and y), do u realize that
this is called \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation ?
No longer just simply called or known as a
simple Algebra equation ?

Take note.

Solving \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equations,
is definitely
WAY BEYOND
our MOE PRIMARY school syllabus !


And
in order to solve \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation, you will need to formulate not just one, but Total 2 equations, in order to solve your x and y.
Why ?

Because
there are 2 unknowns, here.
Not just one unknown.
Many of us, who had studied Secondary school Mathematics before, will know this.

===========================

For Primary school level up to P6 level -

when formulating an Algebra equation, only one variable \"x\" is involved. This is up to PSLE level, in primary schools.


Only when enter into
Mainstream Secondary schools,
then
SECONDARY school students get to be exposed to start learning Simultaneous equations, that involved 2 variables (x and y) now.

In other words, when is \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation taught ?

Answer -

only at the
SECONDARY school level !


However, in your own words,
refer back to your original posting -
you mentioned that

u have already taught your child at LOWER primary 3 and 4 : x and y.

Therefore, I don't even believe u !

Why ?

BECAUSE

At Primary 3, nine years old,

many young kids / children mind haven't even opened up,
to be able to understand what one variable \"x\", alone means. Let alone, what's more, you mentioned u teach your P3 kid not just 1 variable only, but introduced 2 variables some more ( x and y ) !

How can a young student at only LOWER primary 3, his (her) brain,

even able to conceptualise, comprehend or understand
what is the meaning of \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation, in the first case ?

whereby
\"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation is not even taught in primary school. But taught only at the SECONDARY school level.


Therefore,
not surprised that PRIMARY school students will get

ZERO mark,

if they
attempt to solve Maths,
using method(s) not even taught,
at their PRIMARY school level by MOE school teachers,
within the MOE syllabus !

Go back and use the
correct age APPROPRIATE method taught in primary schools, to teach your child.

[fionachia0034]

phtthp\" post_id=\"2105615\" time=\"1681596891\" user_id=\"35251:

Solving \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equations,
is definitely
WAY BEYOND
our MOE PRIMARY school syllabus !


And
in order to solve \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation, you will need to formulate not just one, but Total 2 equations, in order to solve your x and y.
Why ?

Because
there are 2 unknowns, here.
Not just one unknown.
Many of us, who had studied Secondary school Mathematics before, will know this.

===========================

For Primary school level up to P6 level -

when formulating an Algebra equation, only one variable \"x\" is involved. This is up to PSLE level, in primary schools.


Only when enter into
Mainstream Secondary schools,
then
SECONDARY school students get to be exposed to start learning Simultaneous equations, that involved 2 variables (x and y) now.

In other words, when is \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation taught ?

Answer -

only at the
SECONDARY school level !

100% Strongly Agreed! Solving \"Simultaneous\" equations, should definitely be way beyond our MOE Primary school syllabus!

So if it is true as you said that for Primary school level up to P6 level - when formulating an Algebra equation, only one variable \"x\" is involved.

Then why is MOE forcing our children to start doing \"Simultaneous\" type questions that involved 2 variables (x and y) from Primary 3 onwards?

Let me share some Primary School questions INVOLVING 2 VARIABLES (x and y) from my son's school file.

Question from my son's school Primary 3 worksheet with his solution :

Kumar went to a department store and bought 3 plates and 4 cups for $60. Each plate costs twice as much as a cup. Find the cost of a cup.

Let cost of a cup be x and cost of a plate be y.

3y + 4x = 60

y = 2x
3y = 6x

6x + 4x = 60
10x = 60
x = 60 / 10 = 6

The cost of a cup is $6.

Question from my son's school Primary 4 Term Assessment with his solution :

2 Apples and 3 Oranges cost $13. 1 Apple and 1 Orange costs $5.
How much does an Orange cost?

Let cost of an orange be x and cost of an apple be y.

2y + 3x = 13

y + x = 5
2y + 2x = 10

(2y + 3x) - (2y + 2x) = 13 - 10
2y + 3x - 2y - 2x = 3
x = 3

Cost of an orange is $3.

[zac's mum]

If I recall correctly, my son was taught in school to solve these P3 and P4 questions by drawing models called “stacking method” or “sets”. At that age, no algebra or “Units & Parts” method introduced yet, so the teacher wants them to visualize the 2 items in relation to each other. It is an early introduction to simultaneous-type but only certain easy numbers to manipulate.


That is what my son’s school wanted. Even though many of the boys couldnt “see” it in their minds or on paper. Sigh.

[san20sg]

My son couldn’t visualize the model method too and always spend too much time drawing the model because he was very fussy about drawing straight lines and keep rubbing to get the perfect model. Then after that, he couldn’t cut the model drawing because he couldn’t visualize well.


The algebraic way is much simpler, but he insisted to do the model method way because he is scared of his teacher. Why does the primary school system have to be so rigid?

[zac's mum]

I know, right? Probably suits the visual learners more. And then also need good ruler skills as well.


Stacking model method:

https://youtu.be/u07R9zJSCmo

[MrsKiasu]

I try to do Primary Math with my gals. First time when with dd1, it was difficult because we never learn that before. But with dd2, I start to see, the ‘beauty’ of the model method. It is more straightforward if we can see it. For me, I still cannot solve all problems … but the method is not bad imo.

[MrsKiasu]

fionachia0034\" post_id=\"2105732\" time=\"1681674436\" user_id=\"201257:

100% Strongly Agreed! Solving \"Simultaneous\" equations, should definitely be way beyond our MOE Primary school syllabus!

So if it is true as you said that for Primary school level up to P6 level - when formulating an Algebra equation, only one variable \"x\" is involved.

Then why is MOE forcing our children to start doing \"Simultaneous\" type questions that involved 2 variables (x and y) from Primary 3 onwards?

Let me share some Primary School questions INVOLVING 2 VARIABLES (x and y) from my son's school file.

Question from my son's school Primary 3 worksheet with his solution :

Kumar went to a department store and bought 3 plates and 4 cups for $60. Each plate costs twice as much as a cup. Find the cost of a cup.

Let cost of a cup be x and cost of a plate be y.

3y + 4x = 60

y = 2x
3y = 6x

6x + 4x = 60
10x = 60
x = 60 / 10 = 6

The cost of a cup is $6.

Question from my son's school Primary 4 Term Assessment with his solution :

2 Apples and 3 Oranges cost $13. 1 Apple and 1 Orange costs $5.
How much does an Orange cost?

Let cost of an orange be x and cost of an apple be y.

2y + 3x = 13

y + x = 5
2y + 2x = 10

(2y + 3x) - (2y + 2x) = 13 - 10
2y + 3x - 2y - 2x = 3
x = 3

Cost of an orange is $3.

Ok..let's forget the fact that we adult working on the P3 /P4 papers.

For students who know model mtd. The 2 qns can be solved without using paper and pen.

[lee_yl]

san20sg\" post_id=\"2105737\" time=\"1681688748\" user_id=\"76391:

My son couldn't visualize the model method too and always spend too much time drawing the model because he was very fussy about drawing straight lines and keep rubbing to get the perfect model. Then after that, he couldn't cut the model drawing because he couldn't visualize well.

The algebraic way is much simpler, but he insisted to do the model method way because he is scared of his teacher. Why does the primary school system have to be so rigid?

DH says model method is easier to visualize for girls, in general whereas boys generally can handle abstract concepts in algebra better. Not sure how true.

[MrsKiasu]

my dd2 still having problem in visualizing. I m not sure if she has enough time to practise it for her psle.


dd1 caught it fast then. For me, the first time was what’s that??? then slowly see it.

Guess we all need to do more…

[zac's mum]

We do what we need to do to get by. But don’t let it become the whole world and affect your confidence or your child’s confidence.


Let me give an analogy. If let’s say one day a king takes over and imposes a new law: “All people in this country must eat noodles using left hand to hold & manipulate their chopsticks.”

The left-handers will rejoice. The right-handers will have to work hard & practice harder to become less clumsy using their left hand to eat noodles. It is time-consuming, it drives them crazy when their brain tells them it is not the easiest way for them, but they will do it if need be, to conform and not be penalized.