The sixteen problems in this resource present opportunities for pupils to practice substituting into algebraic expressions. Scholars evaluate algebraic expressions for given values of the variables. In a few cases, class members need to...

Let Y represent Yes to using an excellent resource. Pupils first learn to define variables using a complete description in the 19th part in a series of 36. They write expressions involving addition and subtraction in real-world...

When did letters become the same as numbers? Scholars learn about substituting numbers for letters to evaluate algebraic expressions in the seventh part in a series of 36. The lesson focuses on expressions related to geometry, such as...

Don't table the resource on writing expressions for relationships in tables. Scholars investigate relationships between variables and write algebraic expressions involving multiplication and division. These expressions help solve...

Prompt scholars to complete a magic square using only variables. Then they can attempt to solve a numerical magic square using algebra. 

Here is a (great) lesson on using parentheses! The task requires the expression of ages using algebraic expressions, including the distributive property. Pupils use their expressions to determine the individual ages.

Scholars identify and continue the numerical pattern for the number of wheels on a train. Using the established pattern and its inverse, they determine whether a number of wheels is possible. Pupils finish...

Create polynomials with specific values. The task consists of writing three polynomial functions that evaluate to specific values for any given number. Scholars first find a polynomial that evaluates to one for a given value, then a...

Your algebra learners work to address the order of operations applied to an expression's input variable and the limitations that may be created because of it. This simple task of a few very well-chosen exercises is elegant in it's way of...

Exploring functions not represented by an expression is this task's secret. As your learners organize business customers in a database, they explore the definition of what it is to be a function. 

How much do you know about exponents? The pre-test covers the concepts of integer exponents with both numerical and algebraic one-variable expressions. The test is also over representing numbers in scientific notation, operating with...

You know 4 + 4 + 4 = 3(4), but what about x + x + x? Pairs work together to develop equivalent expressions relating multiplication and addition in the third lesson of a 36-part series. They extend their knowledge of multiplication as...

Practice evaluating polynomial expressions at the same time you find Pythagorean Triples. Look for patterns and find examples when the "formula" does and doesn't work. Finally, verify the formula by proving the identity true.

It is important for the algebra learner to understand the use of parentheses. Mathematicians of all levels can make errors with nested parentheses. This will give them some practice. It makes for a good class starter or quick assessment.

Creating an expression to represent the perimeter of a rectangle is a fundamental beginning skill in learning how to use and define variables. This activity starts with the basics and can be followed up with additional tasks. 

Knowing how to scale a recipe is an important skill. Young mathematicians determine the amount of ingredients they need to make a certain number of truffles when given a recipe. They determine a relationship between ingredients given a...

Teach about properties properly. Individuals investigate the commutative and identity properties for both addition and multiplication. They see that the properties hold true for all values by using substitution to test out several examples.

Cheaper cell phone bills? Learners compare two different cell phone plans for a specified number of minutes of phone usage each day. They also determine the conditions for which one plan is cheaper than the other.

Which deal is best? Learners determine which of two companies has the best deal for a particular number of shirts. They begin by creating a table and equations containing each company's pricing structure....

Communication is the key. A presentation provides 25 sample items for Claim 3, Communicating Reasoning, for the Smarter Balanced High School Math assessment. Items require pupils to answer the question and provide logical reasoning to...

Pupils analyze a pattern of conference tables to determine the number of tables needed and the number of people that can be seated for a given size. Individuals develop general formulas for the two growing number patterns and...

Get a line on the snakes. The assessment task requires the class to determine the species of unknown snakes based upon collected data. Individuals analyze two scatter plots and determine the most likely species for five...

Population density, it is not all that it is plotted to be. Pupils analyze a scatter plot of population versus area for some of the states in the US. The class members respond to eight questions about the graph, specific points and...

Number towers use addition or multiplication to ensure each level is equal. While this is common in factoring, it is often not used with algebraic equations. Solving these six questions relies on problem solving skills and being able to...