Year 7 Algebra: Step by Step
Building Strong Foundations Learning Support Program MANSFIELD STATE HIGH SCHOOL
WALT: We Are Learning To Understand What Algebra Is
Recognize that algebra uses letters to represent numbers Understand that x, y, a, b are like mystery boxes See algebra as a tool to solve puzzles Build confidence with mathematical language
Activity 1: Algebra Detective
Look at these expressions: 3 + ? = 8 If ? = 5, what does ? + 2 equal? Replace ? with the letter x Practice: x + 2 = 7, find x
Success Criteria - Can You:
Identify letters as variables in expressions? Explain what a variable represents? Give an example of an algebraic expression? Feel comfortable seeing letters in math?
WALT: Substitute Numbers into Simple Expressions
Replace letters with given numbers Follow the order of operations Calculate step by step Check our answers make sense
Activity 2: Number Swap Challenge
Given: a = 3, b = 5 Find: a + b Find: 2a + b Find: ab (which means a × b)
Quick Check: If x = 4, what is 3x + 1?
Think about it step by step First substitute x = 4 Then calculate 3 × 4 + 1 What's your answer?
WALT: Identify Like Terms
Recognize terms that are the same type Understand that 3x and 5x are like terms See that 2y and 7y can be combined Know that x and y are different types
Activity 3: Term Sorting Game
Sort these terms: 3x, 5y, 2x, 7, 4y, 9 Group the like terms together Circle each group in a different color Count how many groups you made
WALT: Combine Like Terms (Collecting Terms)
Add like terms together 3x + 5x = 8x Keep different terms separate Simplify expressions step by step
Activity 4: Combining Practice
Simplify: 4x + 3x Simplify: 7y + 2y - 3y Simplify: 5a + 2b + 3a Challenge: 6x + 4 + 2x + 1
Success Check: Combining Like Terms
Can you identify like terms quickly? Can you combine them correctly? Do you keep unlike terms separate? Are you feeling more confident?
25 more slides available after you open the deck.
Download all 37 slides