In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 1, 2026.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

How can we prepare students to grapple with algebraic concepts? In this episode, Pam and Kim further adapt factor puzzles for developing understanding of both decomposing and combining expressions.

Talking Points:

• Helping students understand algebraic expressions
• Differences in adding and multiplying variables
• Relationships between terms in algebraic expressions
• The need for multiplicative reasoning in algebra
• Advanced Factor Puzzles for high school

Ep.139: Factor to Add and Subract!?
Factor Puzzle Blog
Register for Number Club Webinar April 8th

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Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 25, 2026.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education