Curated OER
Equivalent or Not Equivalent?
Algebra learners look at equivalent expressions in the context of three different operations: division, squaring, and absolute value. In comparing these values, they will identity when expressions are equivalent.
Illustrative Mathematics
Rectangle Perimeter 2
While this activity is centered around expressions that represent the perimeter of a rectangle, it also hits at the fundamental concept of equivalent expressions, simplifing expressions, and like-terms. Classmates express their...
Curated OER
Substitute into Simple Expressions
Learners simplify simple equations. Using a maze game, young mathematicians speculate about the size of different algebraic values and what other equivalent expressions might look like. It is a nice beginning activity for introducing...
EngageNY
Equivalent Rational Expressions
Rational expressions are just fancy fractions! Pupils apply fractions concepts to rational expressions. They find equivalent expressions by simplifying rational expressions using factoring. They include limits to the domain of the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Ice Cream
Algebra learners can always relate to ice cream. In this case, a carton of ice cream has been at room temperature for t minutes. Given an expression for the temperature of the ice cream, it is up to your number crunchers to rearrange the...
EngageNY
Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
Five out of four people have trouble with fractions! After comparing simplifying fractions to simplifying rational expressions, pupils use the same principles to multiply and divide rational expressions.
Balanced Assessment
Transformation II
Develop a solid understanding of the manipulation of expressions to produce equivalent expressions. Given an expression, pupils rearrange it to create a new one. Their new functions must match the structure of the model expressions.
EngageNY
Comparing Rational Expressions
Introduce a new type of function through discovery. Math learners build an understanding of rational expressions by creating tables and graphing the result.
Curated OER
Interpreting Algebraic Expressions
Interpreting algebraic expressions is a fundamental skill in beginning algebra. This activity approaches the task in numerous ways. First, learners assess their understanding with a short worksheet on converting between words and...
EngageNY
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
There's a fine line between a numerator and a denominator! Learners find common denominators in order to add and subtract rational expressions. Examples include addition, subtraction, and complex fractions.
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 5: Rational Functions and Expressions
Where do those asymptotes come from? Learners graph, simplify, and solve rational functions in the fifth module of a 10-part series. Beginning with graphing, pupils determine the key characteristics of the graphs including an in-depth...
Illustrative Mathematics
Equivalent Expressions
Here is a straight-forward problem of multiplying two binomials with a twist. It is up to algebra learners to decide how to turn this product of sums into a sum of products. However, it is not the quadratic that is the answer; it is the...
CK-12 Foundation
Simplify Products or Quotients of Single Variable Expressions: Circling C's
Model expression division using online manipulatives. Learners drag C's representing a term into equal groups. Guiding questions help them see their groups as the division of the term.
Curated OER
Increasing or Decreasing? Variation 2
Your algebra learners will manipulate an expression's form in order to make obvious the value of it increasing, decreasing, or staying the same, when one variable is changed as the others stay constant. Your future physicists'...
EngageNY
Negative Exponents and the Laws of Exponents
Apply the properties of exponents to expressions with negative exponents. The fifth lesson in the series explains the meaning of negative exponents through an exploration of the properties taught in the previous lessons of the series....
EngageNY
Advanced Factoring Strategies for Quadratic Expressions (part 2)
What do you do with a difficult-to-factor quadratic expression? This lesson plan provides the answer. Pupils learn a grouping strategy to help factor trinomials. When guess and check seems too tedious, this method is the "works every...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
The Distributive Property For Numerical and Variable Expressions
Collaborate to research and share. Doesn't that sound great? Learners explore algebraic expressions, use Algeblocks to examine and compare numerical and variable expressions, and apply the distributive property. Examples and worksheets...
EngageNY
Mid-Module Assessment Task: Grade 7 Mathematics Module 3
Lesson 16 in the series of 28 is a mid-module assessment. Learners simplify expressions, write and solve equations, and write and solve inequalities. Most questions begin as word problems adding a critical thinking component to the...
Curated OER
Profit of a Company
Your business executives choose which of three equivalent forms of a quadratic equation is the most useful for finding various pieces of information in this task centered on a company's profits.
Curated OER
Seeing Dots
Your algebra learners interpret algebraic expressions, in order to compare their structures, using a geometric context. They also discern how the two expressions are equivalent and represent a pattern geometrically and algebraically.
Mathematics Assessment Project
Representing the Laws of Arithmetic
Sixth graders connect numerical expressions to geometric area. They first complete an assessment task requiring them to identify area models for numerical expressions. Learners then participate in an activity to match area models to...
CK-12 Foundation
Scientific Notation: Matching Numbers to Notation
Explore the conversion of numbers to scientific notation and back again. Learners begin with a matching activity to identify equivalent expressions. Then guiding questions test and extend their understanding.
Curated OER
Graphs and Functions
Middle schoolers describe plotting functions on the Cartesian coordinate plane. They solve functions on paper and using an online tool to plot points on a Cartesian coordinate plane creating lines and parabolas.
EngageNY
Algebraic Expressions—The Distributive Property
Do your classes truly understand the distributive property? Use a demonstrative lesson to represent the distributive property in various ways. Learners solidify understanding by creating a geometric pattern for distributive property, and...