Now this is where predicting meets algebra. This aspect of algebra is all about predicting what could be the components of an equation, typically we find these types of algebraic equations written out in a worded sum. For example:

 

How many two-digit numbers can be made using the following single digit cards: 1, 2, 3 and 4?

Here the most logical technique anyone could use would be to draw a table and list the options in rows to help ensure everything is covered (because there are a lot of possibilities here).

12	13	14
21	23	24
31	32	34
41	42	43

 

By using this table (or any other appropriate method to display the options) we are able to neatly identify that all of the options have been identified.