Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to solve algebraic equations and expressions using Bruno Mars song lyrics as examples.
Materials and Prep
- Paper
- Pencil
- Access to Bruno Mars song lyrics
- Basic understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Activities
- Listen to a Bruno Mars song and identify a few lines of lyrics that could be represented as algebraic expressions or equations.
- Write down the lyrics and then rewrite them as algebraic expressions or equations.
- Solve the algebraic expressions or equations using the skills you've learned in class.
- Discuss with a family member or friend how the lyrics relate to the algebraic expressions or equations.
Seventh Grade Talking Points
- Algebra helps us solve problems and understand patterns in the world around us. As Bruno Mars sings, "You can count on me like 1, 2, 3, I'll be there."
- Just like in algebra, in life, we often have to solve for unknowns. In the song "Grenade," Bruno Mars sings about catching a grenade for someone. We can think of this as solving for the value of "x" in a real-life situation.
- Algebraic expressions and equations can be found in music lyrics, just like in the song "Just the Way You Are" where Bruno Mars sings, "When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change, 'cause you're amazing just the way you are."
- Understanding algebra can help us appreciate the mathematical patterns and structures in our favorite songs, like in Bruno Mars' "24K Magic" where he sings, "Players, put yo' pinky rings up to the moon."