Lesson 1: 1-1 Variables and Expressions

How is a variable used to represent a quantity?
How are verbal expressions and algebraic expressions similar?
What are some words that represent mathematical operations?

Algebraic Expression
Variable
Term
Factor
Product
Power
Exponent
Base

A.SSE.1a
A. Interpret the structure of expressions
1. HSA-SSE.A.1
Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.
a. Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients

A.SSE.2
2. HSA-SSE.A.2
Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it. For example, see x4 – y4 as (x2)2 – (y2)2, thus recognizing it as a difference of squares that can be factored as (x2 – y2)(x2 + y2).

Modeling: Mathematically proficeint students are able to identify important quantities in a practical situation and map their relationships using such tools as algebraic expressions and equations. Encourage students to interpret the expressions they write to ensure that they have represented the situation accurately.

Sense-making: Mathematically proficient students consider simpler forms of the original problem in order to gain insight into its solution.

Cassie and her friends are at a baseball game. The stadium is running a promotion where hot dogs are $0.10 each. Suppose d represents the number of hot dogs Cassie and her friends eat. Then 0.10d represents the cost, in dollars, of the hot dogs they eat.

Mr. Martinez orders 250 key chains printed with his athletic team's logo and 500 pencils printed with its Web address. Write an algebraic expression that represents the cost of the order.

Students often ignore the order of operations and read, write, and evaluate expressions from left to right. Remind students to always follow the order of operations.

If you identify students who trouble writing mathematical or verbal expressions pair them with other students as mentors for pracicing these skills.

Formative assessment - Exercises 1 - 10

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