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Introduction to Variables

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Introduction to Variables

Introduction to Variables

Algebraic expressions with variables

🔍 Part 1: Understanding Variables

1. What is a variable? Circle the best answer:

A number that never changes

A letter or symbol that represents an unknown or changing value

A mathematical operation like addition

A type of calculator

2. In everyday life, we often have unknowns. Complete these sentences with your own examples:

I have _______ books in my bag.

The temperature tomorrow will be _______ degrees Celsius.

My friend is _______ centimetres tall.

🕵️ Part 2: Variable Detective

3. Circle all the variables in these algebraic expressions:

a) 3x + 5

b) 7y - 2

c) 4a + 3b

d) 2m + 8

e) 5 + n - 1

4. Which of these are variables? Check all that apply:

x

7

y

+

a

15

m

✏️ Part 3: Writing Algebraic Expressions

5. Write an algebraic expression for each situation. Use the suggested variable:

a) Three times a number (use n): ___________

b) A number plus 8 (use x): ___________

c) Five less than a number (use y): ___________

d) Double a number plus 3 (use a): ___________

6. Real-world expressions: Write an algebraic expression for each scenario:

a) The cost of buying x apples at $2 each: ___________

b) The total distance if you walk y kilometres and then 3 more kilometres: ___________

c) Your age in 5 years if you are currently a years old: ___________

🎯 Part 4: Matching Activity

7. Match each word description with its algebraic expression:
1. Four times a number
2. A number minus 6
3. Seven plus a number
4. Half of a number
A. x ÷ 2
B. 4x
C. 7 + x
D. x - 6

💭 Part 5: Thinking About Variables

8. Explain in your own words why we use variables in mathematics:
9. Create your own algebraic expression and explain what it represents:

My expression: ___________________

10. If x = 5, what is the value of these expressions?

a) 2x = ______

b) x + 7 = ______

c) 3x - 4 = ______

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