Like Terms Review

Grade Level

8th Grade

Duration

70 minutes

Class Size

22 Students

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Common Core State Standards

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.3

• Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
• Identify when two expressions are equivalent (are the same for all values of the variable).

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.A.1

• Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify like terms in algebraic expressions.
• Combine like terms to simplify expressions accurately.
• Recognize the properties of operations involved in combining like terms.
• Demonstrate skill in simplifying expressions using combining like terms through practice.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Student notebooks
• Printed worksheets (included below)
• Colored pencils or markers for highlighting
• Small dry erase boards and markers for group work
• Timer or clock

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction and Objectives (10 minutes)

• Begin by activating prior knowledge: Ask students what they remember about variables and expressions.
• Introduce the term "like terms" with simple examples on the whiteboard (e.g., 3x and 5x are like terms; 3x and 5y are not).
• Clearly state the lesson objectives and what students are expected to do by the end.
• Link the lesson to real-world examples e.g., combining like colors or like objects to make it relatable.

2. Guided Instruction (15 minutes)

• Display an algebraic expression such as: 4x + 3y - 2x + 5 - y on the whiteboard.
• Explain how to identify like terms (terms with the same variable part).
• Demonstrate combining the coefficients of like terms step-by-step (e.g., 4x - 2x = 2x, 3y - y = 2y).
• Highlight how constants (numbers without variables) are also like terms when added/subtracted.
• Use colored markers or highlight the like terms in different colors to visually reinforce the concept.
• Ask several students to come up and highlight the like terms on the board.

3. Partner Activity: Like Terms Sorting Game (10 minutes)

• Students receive a set of algebraic term cards with coefficients and variables (e.g., 3x, 7y, -2x, 5, -3y).
• In pairs, they will sort terms into groups of "like terms."
• After sorting, pairs explain to each other why the terms are grouped as such.
• Teacher circulates to check understanding and offer immediate feedback.

4. Independent Practice: Worksheet (20 minutes)

• Hand out the worksheet provided below (with problems to identify and combine like terms).
• Students work independently, using colored pencils to underline or circle like terms before combining them.
• Teacher circulates, offering support and clarifying misconceptions.
• Use a timer to keep pace and encourage focus.

5. Review and Discuss Worksheet (10 minutes)

• Go over selected problems from the worksheet on the board.
• Call on student volunteers to explain how they identified and combined like terms.
• Clarify common errors and explain correct approaches.
• Reinforce properties of operations used.

6. Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

• Quick 3-question quiz on a small slip:
  1. Identify like terms in the expression 2a + 5b - 3a + 7.
  2. Simplify: 6x - 4x + 2y - y.
  3. Are 7m and -7n like terms? Explain.
• Collect exit tickets for formative assessment.

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Worksheet: Combining Like Terms

Instructions: Identify the like terms in each expression. Then combine them and write the simplified expression.

1. 5x + 3y - 2x + 7 - y

2. 4a - 3b + 8a + b - 5

3. 9m + 5n - 6m + 2n + 10

4. 7p - 2q + 4p + 6 - q

5. 3x - 4 + 5 - 2x + 9

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Answer Key

1. Like terms: 5x and -2x, 3y and -y, constants 7 alone
   Simplified: (5x - 2x) + (3y - y) + 7 = 3x + 2y + 7

2. Like terms: 4a and 8a, -3b and b, constant -5
   Simplified: (4a + 8a) + (-3b + b) - 5 = 12a - 2b - 5

3. Like terms: 9m and -6m, 5n and 2n, constant 10
   Simplified: (9m - 6m) + (5n + 2n) + 10 = 3m + 7n + 10

4. Like terms: 7p and 4p, -2q and -q, constant 6
   Simplified: (7p + 4p) + (-2q - q) + 6 = 11p - 3q + 6

5. Like terms: 3x and -2x, constants -4, 5, and 9 combined
   Simplified: (3x - 2x) + (-4 + 5 + 9) = x + 10

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Differentiation Strategies

• For struggling learners: Use visual aids and manipulatives (term cards). Pair with stronger peers for cooperative learning.
• For advanced learners: Challenge with expressions containing more terms or including fractional coefficients. Introduce factoring or distribution and how this relates to like terms.
• For English language learners: Provide vocabulary sheets with visual representations of terms and symbols used in algebra.

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Assessment & Reflection

• Collect and review exit tickets for understanding.
• Informal observation during partner activities and worksheet work.
• Use student explanations during review to assess conceptual clarity.
• Reflect on pace and student engagement to adjust future lessons.

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Teacher Tips

• Use real-world analogies like combining like colors or similar items to relate to the concept of like terms.
• Incorporate technology by having a quick interactive Kahoot or quiz if time permits for engagement.
• Celebrate student success in simplifying expressions to boost confidence.

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This lesson builds foundational skills in algebraic expressions critical for later success in topics such as solving equations and polynomials, all aligned closely with Common Core standards for 8th-grade mathematics.