Putting the Strategies to Work

Teaching Geometry by Manipulating Formulas

People use geometry in their lives every day. The GED Mathematics Test will not only require the use of basic formulas, but will also require that students use higher order math skills to solve for the different variables in a formula. Does this sound a lot like solving for the unknown in algebra? If it does, you are correct. Skills transfer from one area of math to another.

Let’s look at a question that requires a student to solve for a variable in a formula.

Example:
Victor built a fence around his yard. He needed 218 feet of fencing. The yard is rectangular in shape. If the length of the yard is 87 feet, how wide is the yard?

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