Illustrative Mathematics
Writing Expressions
Practice writing algebraic expressions from written phrases. The objective is to consider two seemingly similar phrases, write them as algebraic expressions, and then simplify using the order of operations. Learners are challenged to...
EngageNY
Writing, Evaluating, and Finding Equivalent Expressions with Rational Numbers
Groups write and evaluate expressions for various phone plans and scenarios to find which is the best deal. They then compare different approaches to writing expressions for the same scenario and discuss the concept of equivalent...
Curated OER
Representing Patterns & Evaluating Expressions
Write algebraic expressions, determine patterns, and evaluate expressions in a real-world context. Learners engage in a series of collaborative activities to identify, model, and give variables for real-world patterns. They write...
Organization for Educational Technology & Curriculum
Introduction to Variables and Algebraic Expressions
Begin your next algebra unit with this introductory instructional activity on variables and algebraic expressions. This plan requires a SMART board and includes a SMART notebook file. The file contains a guiding question and two learning...
Virginia Department of Education
Evaluating and Simplifying Expressions
Discover how algebra tiles help evaluate expressions. Scholars learn to use algebra tiles to substitute values in for variables and evaluate expressions. The included worksheet contains a set of evaluation problems to assess individuals'...
Curated OER
Writing Variable Expressions for Physical Models
Explore the concept of writing variable expressions by examining the similarities between expressions with numbers and expressions with variables. Emerging mathematicians determine rules for sequences and patterns before writing a rule...
Curated OER
Expressions and Equations
Develop understanding of algebraic expressions and equations by having your class define examples of each. The class discusses how parentheses affect the order of operations and learn how to solve for x. A variety of examples are used.
Illustrative Mathematics
Delivery Trucks
Algebra learners are to make sense of two different-sized sand trucks and the number of trips each truck makes. The resource lists four different expressions based on the size of each truck and the number of deliveries the trucks make....
Illustrative Mathematics
Kitchen Floor Tiles
An interesting way to look at the kitchen floor is to count the number of tiles in the border. Fred starts with four white floor tiles and writes an expression for the number of tiles needed for the colored border. Algebra learners are...
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.
EngageNY
Linear and Nonlinear Expressions in x
Linear or not linear — that is the question. The lesson plan has class members translate descriptions into algebraic expressions. They take the written expressions and determine whether they are linear or nonlinear based upon the...
Virginia Department of Education
Multiplying Polynomials Using Algebra Tiles
Tiles are not just for algebra—see how they can help with multiplication too. Young mathematicians learn to use algebra tiles to model the multiplication of polynomials. A follow-up worksheet provides practice with the skill.
Curated OER
Using Algebra Tiles to Explore Distributive Property
Math is fun with algebra tiles! Young mathematicians explore eight expressions involving the distributive property and use algebra tiles to expand simple expressions. The resource is perfect for both guided and independent practice.
Curated OER
Patterns and Algebraic Expressions
Scholars will solve problems, create patterns, and write algebraic expressions. In addition, they will learn how to represent a number with a variable.
Illustrative Mathematics
An Integer Identity
Challenge algebra learners to use the difference of cubes to solve this problem. Once your charges have taken out the factor (a - b), combined the like terms and set them equal to zero, the problem becomes a factorable quadratic...
EngageNY
Writing, Evaluating, and Finding Equivalent Expressions with Rational Numbers 2
The 20th segment in a series of 25 has learners work with percentage problems to generate equivalent expressions. Pupils find discounted prices using numerical and algebraic expressions. The task then requires individuals to find the...
Kent State University
How Does that Work?
Sixth and seventh graders explore algebra word problems. They work with a partner to solve word problems distributed by e-mail. Learners simplify mathematical expressions following a "think aloud" algebra strategy modeled by the teacher....
EngageNY
Distributing Expressions
You know how to factor expressions; now it's time to go the opposite way. Scholars learn to write algebraic expressions in expanded form using the distributive property. A problem set helps them practice the skill.
Virginia Department of Education
Translate and Evaluate
Translate, evaluate, educate. Discover how to translate and evaluate expressions. Young mathematicians first review words and phrases that indicate operations and learn to write algebraic expressions from verbal descriptions....
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...
EngageNY
Read Expressions in Which Letters Stand for Numbers II
Reading and writing take on a whole different meaning in math class. Young mathematicians learn to read verbal phrases by focusing on operation words. They write equivalent algebraic expressions for both mathematical and contextual...
EngageNY
Read Expressions in Which Letters Stand for Numbers III
Those key operation words sure come in handy. Groups continue their work with converting between different notations for algebraic expressions. They work in stations to write the symbolic form for given verbal phrases. This is the 17th...
EngageNY
Writing Addition and Subtraction Expressions
Symbols make everything so much more concise. Young mathematicians learn to write addition and subtraction expressions — including those involving variables — from verbal phrases. Bar models help them understand the concept.
EngageNY
Writing and Expanding Multiplication Expressions
Find out what's so standard about standard form. Scholars learn to write multiplication expressions with variables in the 10th lesson in a series of 36. They use different symbols for multiplication and translate between standard and...