Charlie goes for a walk and finds an orange. This story introduces the concept of using symbols to count the number of physical objects.

This basic concept is the foundation for algebra, which uses an unknown (a symbol of generally x or y) to represent any particular object, item or thing to solve an equation. Links to the Australian Mathematics CurriculaACARA Mathematics Curriculum link:Foundation - AC9MFA01 - recognise, copy and continue repeating patterns represented in different ways.

Year 1 - AC9M1A02 - recognise, continue and create repeating patterns with numbers, symbols, shapes and objects, identifying the repeating unit and recognising the importance of repetition in solving problems. NSW Mathematics K-10 Curriculum link:Early stage 1 - MAE-FG-02 - forms equal groups by sharing and counting collections of objects.

Victorian Mathematics F - 6 Curriculum link:Foundation - VC2MFA01 - follow a short sequence of instructions; recognise, copy, continue and create repeating patterns represented in different ways. Level 1 - VC2M1A02 - recognise, continue and create repeating patterns with numbers, symbols, shapes and objects, identifying the repeating unit and recognising the importance of repetition in solving problems.

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