- should they believe algebra because the teacher said it's true? I don't think so. It's better for them to doubt it, VOICE their doubts (since silent doubts can inhibit future learning), and have the teacher show them in a friendly way where alternative theories would take them. I would engage them in a conversation about the number
1 - 0.99999...
Do they think it's bigger than zero? What do they think it equals? Etc.
