Expressions, Equations, Inequalities

Grade: 7

Duration: 30 minutes

Class Size: 15 students

Standards Alignment

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM):

7.EE.3: Solve multi-step real-life and mathematical problems posed with positive and negative rational numbers in any form (whole numbers, fractions, and decimals), using tools strategically. Apply properties of operations to calculate with numbers in any form; convert between forms as appropriate; and assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies.
7.EE.4: Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems by reasoning about the quantities.
7.EE.4a: Solve equations of the form px + q = r and p(x + q) = r for cases where p, q, and r are rational numbers.
7.EE.4b: Solve inequalities of the form px + q > r or px + q < r, where p, q, and r are rational numbers. Graph the solution set of the inequality and interpret it in the context of the problem.

Learning Objectives (I can statements)

I can identify and classify expressions, equations, and inequalities.
I can write expressions, equations, and inequalities from real-world situations.
I can distinguish between expressions, equations, and inequalities in various forms.
I can explain the differences between expressions, equations, and inequalities using examples.

Success Criteria

Correctly classify at least 5 mathematical statements as expressions, equations, or inequalities.
Write at least 3 real-world scenarios as expressions, equations, or inequalities with appropriate notation.
Participate in class discussion by explaining why a statement fits into a specific category.
Demonstrate understanding by converting word problems accurately into mathematical forms.

Materials Needed

Whiteboard and markers
Printed task cards with various expressions, equations, inequalities, and real-world problems (dyslexia-friendly font, increased spacing)
Individual student whiteboards or notebooks
Colored pencils or markers for graphing inequalities
Timer or stopwatch

Lesson Overview & Time Breakdown

Activity	Duration	Description
1. Introduction & Do Now	5 minutes	Quick refresher and motivation, students classify statements on task cards.
2. Mini-lesson & Modeling	8 minutes	Teacher models classifying and creating expressions, equations, and inequalities using examples.
3. Guided Practice	10 minutes	Students work in pairs to convert word problems to math forms and justify their classifications.
4. Collaborative Wrap-up	5 minutes	Class discussion sharing student examples and clarifications of key points.
5. Assessment & Reflection	2 minutes	Quick exit ticket: classify a statement and write a mathematical sentence given a scenario.

Detailed Lesson Plan

1. Introduction & Do Now (5 minutes)

Activity:
Give each student a task card containing a short statement (e.g., "3x + 2," "4x - 7 = 9," or "2x + 5 > 10").
Prompt:
“Classify this as an expression, equation, or inequality.”
Strategy:
Students hold up their answers using whiteboards or say their answers aloud. Use this as a formative check to review prior knowledge.
Teacher Tip:
Reinforce the "I can" statement: I can identify expressions, equations, and inequalities in different forms.

2. Mini-lesson & Modeling (8 minutes)

Teacher explains:
- Expression: a combination of variables, numbers, and operations without an equal or inequality sign (e.g., 5x - 3).
- Equation: a mathematical statement with an equal sign showing two expressions are equal (e.g., 3x + 2 = 11).
- Inequality: a statement comparing two expressions with signs like >, <, ≥, or ≤ (e.g., 2x + 5 > 10).
Model creation:
- Show 2-3 real-world problems and demonstrate writing each as an expression, equation, or inequality.
Dyslexia-friendly emphasis:
- Use a dyslexia-friendly font on board printouts and highlight key terms in bold with consistent color coding: expressions (blue), equations (green), inequalities (red).

3. Guided Practice (10 minutes)

Activity:
Pair students and hand out 3 real-world task cards to each pair (e.g., "You have $20, and each notebook costs $3. How many notebooks can you buy?").
Task:
For each scenario, students write:
1. An expression that represents the cost of notebooks,
2. An inequality representing the budget constraint, and
3. An equation for when the total equals exactly $20.
Expectation:
Students must explain to each other why their models fit the category, practicing oral math vocabulary and reasoning.

4. Collaborative Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

Class discussion:
Invite pairs to share one example of each type of mathematical statement.
Clarify misconceptions:
Address any confusion between expressions and equations in particular. Emphasize vocabulary and give positive feedback tying back to "I can" statements.

5. Assessment & Reflection (2 minutes)

Exit Ticket:
Write one statement on the board (e.g., "7x - 4 ≤ 10") and ask students to:
- Classify it (expression, equation, or inequality).
- Rewrite the following scenario into a mathematical sentence: "You need at least 15 points to win the game."
Collect responses to gauge individual understanding and plan next steps.

Differentiation Strategies

For struggling learners:
- Provide simplified task cards with one-step examples.
- Use visual aids such as color-coding and graphic organizers to distinguish categories.
- Pair with a peer buddy for support during guided practice.
For English Language Learners (ELLs):
- Teach key vocabulary with visuals and gestures before starting.
- Allow use of bilingual dictionaries.
For students with dyslexia:
- Use dyslexia-friendly font printouts (e.g., OpenDyslexic).
- Provide oral instructions and repeat key points.
For advanced learners:
- Challenge with multi-step problems involving all three forms mixed with rational number coefficients.
- Introduce simple systems involving inequalities and equations to solve.

Extension Activity

Create your own real-world scenario involving expressions, equations, and inequalities. Challenge yourself to write one of each and share with the class tomorrow. Use your knowledge to explain why each is classified as it is.

This 30-minute plan effectively revisits and consolidates previous lessons by applying knowledge in practical and analytical ways — exactly what 7th graders need to master the foundational skills for algebraic reasoning under Common Core Standards.