Me: sometimes we use letters to generalize. It makes the math sentence work for more than just one case. Z: But I figured out the puzzle X+Y=15 is 7+8=15. Me: are 7 & 8 the only numbers that work? [Z does a lot of thinking] Z: no, There's more, but I don't want to puzzle them all out

Pooh Think GIF

ALT: Pooh Think GIF

Me: That 'not wanting to think about them all' is why we use the letters. They hold the place of numbers so we can look for patterns. Z: But I don't see a pattern Me: let's look at a different sentence okay? What's 1+2? Z: 3 Me: and what's 2+3? Z: 5 Me: what's 3+4? Z: 7 Me: notice anything? Z:

Kombucha Tea Girl Drink GIF

ALT: Kombucha Tea Girl Drink GIF