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# Algebraic conventions

You can use these techniques and examples when planning lesson sequences on algebraic conventions.

Pupils need to be as familiar with the conventions of algebra as they are with those of arithmetic. Algebraic conventions should become a routine part of algebraic thinking, allowing greater access to more challenging problems.

It is a common error to deal with these conventions rather too quickly.

How pupils understand and manipulate algebraic forms is determined by their mental processing of the meaning of the symbols and the extent to which they can distinguish one algebraic form from another.

A goal is to develop pupils’ mental facility to recognise which type of algebraic form is presented or needs to be constructed as part of a problem. Some time spent on this stage of the process can reduce misconceptions when later problems become quite complex.

Framework algebra examples provide contexts in which pupils should develop mental processes in algebraic conventions.