Number and Algebra

Alien Functions and Alien Formulas

Age range 10 - 14 Key Stages 2 and 3.

Alien Functions and Alien Formulas involve working out functions and using simple formulas to describe them.

Alien Functions simulates a calculator with nine extra buttons. The task is to work out what function each of these buttons carries out.
Alien Formulas simulates a spreadsheet. The task is to work out nine formulas.
There are five levels of difficulty for each activity.

Using the Alien Functions and Alien Formulas could assist in the teaching of the following

Links to the National Numeracy Strategy:

Years 5 and 6 example, Pages 78-81: Solve mathematical problems or puzzles, recognise and explain patterns and relationships, generalise and predict.

Make and investigate a general statement about familiar numbers.... express a realtionship in symbols and start to use formulae (Year 6).

Years 4: Start to express a relationship orally in words.

Years 5: Start to express a relationship in words, orally and in writing.

Years 6: Example: write a formula for the nth term of this sequence: 3, 6, 9, 12......

Links to the National Curriculum:

Key Stage 2 :

Number

Pupils should be taught to:

• make connections in mathematics and appreciate the need to use numerical skills and knowledge when solving problems in other parts of the mathematics curriculum.
• develop logical thinking..
• understand and investigate general statements.
• recognise, represent and interpret simple number relationships, constructing and using formulae in words then symbols.

Key Stage 3 :

Number

Pupils should be taught to:

• make connections in mathematics and appreciate the need to use numerical skills and knowledge when solving problems in other parts of the mathematics curriculum.

Algebra

Pupils should be taught to:

• express simple functions, at first in words and then in symbols.
• use linear expressions to describe the nth term of an arithmetic sequence..

Level 5
They construct, express in symbolic form, and use simple formulae involving one or two operations.
Level 6
They represent mappings expressed algebraically.
When exploring number sequences, pupils find and describe in words the rule for the next term or nth term of a sequence where the rule is linear.