The Guardian – – Zofia Niemtus 
In algebra, X marks the spot. Well, sometimes it’s N or Y. Either way, that spot can often leave children’s heads spinning, as they find themselves face-to-face with funny-looking equations that need to be simplified. Maths doesn’t always have the most positive reputation among young people (or older people, to be fair) and algebra – with its signs, symbols and substitutions – is up there with the least beloved of it. But it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Presented in the right way, it can even be exciting and magical. So how can you help your students get to grips with the topic?.”.(more)