25 + y =143
I had a new student in our GED class. With most cases, he was unsure where he was academically, because it's been years, and even decades for some, since he had to do math. My philosophy is: wherever you are, that's where we're going to start, so I usually teach about 3-5 classes/lessons per session, catering to whatever the needs are (color-coded, of course).
As he was waiting to go over his problems, he decided to take in as much information as he could, so he attempted one of the other lessons' problems.
"Hey Ms. Christine, check this out! New guy is catching on real fast - got the answer and everything!"
"That's awesome!"
"Yeah, but he's not doing it your way"
"That's fine - as long as it works, I'm cool with that...
Do another one, and we'll go over it"
21 + x = 45
"Christine, you've got to look at this... He's like counting numbers and it's working out."
Hm, now I'm interested... Explain this "new method" to me...
He says, "Well, see x is the 24th letter in the alphabet.
21 + 24 = 45"
"SEE, CHRISTINE! I like that way!"
In giggles, "Yes, I know, but baby boy, that's not exactly math. It worked that time, and that's pretty cool... but that will not work for everything."
"Well, let him try another, and we'll see!"
"Fair play... Give it a shot"
25 + y = 143
"118"
"What?... How did you get that?"
"Well, see... y is the 25th letter... and then if you....
(blah blah blah), ..and so it's 118."
[mind blown laughter]
"So... when I was writing this problem on the board, I just got an inkling to use these numbers. After I wrote 143, it reminded me of a code I've known people to use for 'I Love You'... So, tell me then, Code Man, which letter is the 25th... I bet I know..."
"[counting].... Y"
"That's what I thought. Looks like someone has a message for us:"
So I wrote over the words...
Why? I Love You.
25 + y = 143
Y= 25th letter
BE
25
Just BE - You are loved.
In Love,
Christine
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