Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Add Linear Expressions With Rational Coefficients

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

7

Overview

In this learning activity, students will add linear expressions using the properties of operations. The students will also have a chance to practice adding linear expressions on their own, including those that contain integer coefficients and constants as well as expressions that have rational coefficients and constants. This activity includes a review and worksheets ready to print or assign digitally. 

    Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 7

    MA19.7.6

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

    Unpacked Content

    UP:MA19.7.6

    Vocabulary

    Term
  • like terms
  • Constant
  • Factor
  • Expression
  • Rational coefficient
  • Knowledge

    Students know:
    • how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers.
    • A(b + c) = ab + ac.
    • how to find the greatest common factor of two or more terms.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract linear expressions with rational coefficients.
    • Apply properties of operations as strategies to factor linear expressions with rational coefficients.
    • Apply properties of operations as strategies to expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • only like terms can be combined, e.g., x + y = x + y but x + x = 2x.
    • To factor an expression, one must factor out the greatest common factor.
    • There are many different ways to write the same expression.
    Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 7 - Grade 7 Accelerated

    MA19.7A.12

    Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients. [Grade 7, 6]

    Unpacked Content

    UP:MA19.7A.12

    Vocabulary

    • Term
    • like terms
    • Constant
    • Factor
    • Expression
    • Rational coefficient

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • How to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers.
    • A(b + c) = ab + ac.
    • how to find the greatest common factor of two or more terms.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract linear expressions with rational coefficients.
    • Apply properties of operations as strategies to factor linear expressions with rational coefficients.
    • Apply properties of operations as strategies to expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Only like terms can be combined, e.g., x + y = x + y but x + x = 2x.
    • To factor an expression, one must factor out the greatest common factor.

    Phase

    After/Explain/Elaborate
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    Student Learning Objectives:

    • I can simplify algebraic expressions by using the distributive property.
    • I can apply properties of real numbers (add, subtract and expand linear expressions).
    • I can simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms.

    Activity Details

    1. The teacher will review combining like terms whole-group using the Matching Equivalent Linear Expressions Worksheet. The teacher will display the worksheet whole-group and allow students enough time to complete the matching problems on the worksheet.
    2. After the students have had ample time to work on the review problems on the matching worksheet, the teacher will review the answers.
    3. Once the students have proven they understand combining like terms, the teacher will distribute the Adding Linear Expressions Worksheet.
    4. After the teacher passes out the Adding Linear Expressions Worksheet, he/she will review using the top portion of the worksheet.
    5. The teacher will say, "You can add expressions using the properties of operations. Let’s try it! Simplify (2x − 15) + (–5x + 9). (2x − 15) + (–5x + 9). Identify like terms. [2x + (–5x)] + (–15 + 9). Use the commutative and associative properties to reorder and group like terms. –3x + (–6) Combine like terms. –3x − 6. Rewrite addition as subtraction to simplify the final expression. Try it yourself! Find each sum."
    6. The teacher will instruct the students to complete the worksheet individually for an assessment grade. 
    7. At the end of class, the teacher will bring the students back to a whole-group discussion to determine any problems they faced by applying properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.
    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    The teacher will use the Adding Linear Expressions Worksheet as an assessment to check for students' understanding of applying properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.

    Variation Tips

    Related Learning Activities

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

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