Solving Expressions and Variables

Ms. Noble
Math 7

Common Core Standards:

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

a. Solve word problems leading to equations of the form px + q = r and p(x + q) = r, where p,
q, and r are specific rational numbers. Solve equations of these forms fluently. Compare an
algebraic solution to an arithmetic solution, identifying the sequence of the operations used
in each approach. For example, the perimeter of a rectangle is 54 cm. Its length is 6 cm.
What is its width?

b. Solve word problems leading to inequalities of the form px + q > r or px + q < r, where p, q,
and r are specific rational numbers. Graph the solution set of the inequality and interpret it in
the context of the problem. For example, as a salesperson, you are paid $50 per week plus
$3 per sale. This week you want your pay to be at least $100. Write an inequality for the
number of sales you need to make, and describe the solutions.

Commentary:

Will start off class monday with an activity, and introduce the term SADMEP (PEMDAS
backwards) to go through the first steps to solve equations. Final Activity is a Murder
Mystery worksheet.

Lesson Overview:
This lesson focuses on the introduction of one and two-step equations with variables,
marking the incorporation of Algebra into the Math Tool Kit. The estimated duration is
approximately 160 minutes, divided into four 40-minute class periods, with an
additional day allocated for either a mastery check or a project presentation. The
instructional procedures are structured across the five days as follows:
Day 1:

 Engage students with a brief introductory activity, such as a Nerdle, to enhance

their number sense.
 Dedicate 20 minutes to introducing and teaching the topic while students take
notes and engage in simple example problems.
 Allocate the final 10 minutes for questions and a reward break.

Day 2:

 Begin with a brief 5-minute check-in, allowing students to express their feelings
about the previous lesson.
 Review any questions students may have about the previous homework.
 Spend 20 minutes providing step-by-step examples of the topic, ensuring
students complete their notes.
 Allocate the final few minutes for students to commence their homework while
having the opportunity to ask questions.

Day 3:

 Initiate the class with a 5-minute group work warm-up.

 Spend 10 minutes reviewing homework collectively as a class.
 Dedicate 10 minutes to introducing the process of breaking down word
problems into equations. [ex. Dr. Love loves gummy worms. She has 250 gummy
worms and she eats x amount per day. If her gummy worms lasted for 25 days, how
many gummy worms does Dr. Love eat per day? 25(days)x(gummy worms eaten per
day) = 250 to solve 25x/25=250/25 x=10)]

Day 4:

 Start with a 5-minute class poll to engage students.

 Allocate 5-10 minutes for homework check and questions.
 Spend 10 minutes on review and introduce level acceptable projects
 15-20 minute extra practice work time.

Day 5:

 Conduct individualized mastery checks, varying in duration.

 Allocate the rest of time to complete any remaining practice assignments/
 projects.
 Reward students who have completed all work with a break.

Assessments:
Pre-Assessment:

 Conduct a vocabulary check and warm-up with 3-5 questions on single-step

equations.

Post-Assessment:

 Administer a Mastery Check, with differentiated assessments available based on

student performance.

Scoring Guidelines:

Students will be given 1 point per right answer

And when turning in showed work students will receive another point per question if
showing their work.
Students scoring 75% or higher on questions will show mastery and move on.
Students showing 65-75% will be asked to explain their thinking with the teacher on
the work showed. Ability to show where they went wrong will allow them to move on
and be reflected in grade based on work done.
65% and below will get individual follow up and corrections will allow student to move
on and be reflected in grade based on work done on corrections.

Instructional Support:
Differentiated Instruction:

 Offer accelerated students the option of a challenge assignment involving self-

generated word problems and a visual poster presentation.
 Provide struggling students access to teacher-generated key information during
a shortened Mastery check.
 Implement a "Who Killed Mr. SADMEP?" activity, tailored to the level of
equations complexity.

Extension:
Explore additional resources like Khan Academy videos to reinforce learning.
Homework and Home Connections:
Assign worksheets with equations exercises and word problems, emphasizing the
importance of showing work for scoring.
Homework will consist of a worksheet with 12-16 questions on it for the equations exercise or
a worksheet with 8-10 word problems for the word problem homework.
I will be looking at answers and whether or not the students showed their work. 1 point for the
right answer and 1 point for work showed.
Interdisciplinary Connections:
Incorporate ELA character names into word problems and integrate art by incorporating
coloring activities into note-taking for tactile engagement.
Materials and Resources:
Utilize various classroom tools such as Smart Boards, whiteboards, markers, iPads,
worksheets, and notes.
Ensure students have pencils, paper, school-issued devices, calculators,
headphones, and access to interactive materials.
Key Vocabulary:
Reinforce essential terms including "per," "variable," "expression," "inequality," and
"equation."
Per= for each or divided by

Variable= an unknown changeable number in a math problem using a letter to represent it.
Expression = a statement having a minimum of two numbers, variables, or both with an
operator connecting them
Inequality = a relationship between two expressions or values that ARE NOT equal.
Equation = a relationship between two expressions or va;lues that ARE equal.

Additional Notes:
Flexibility in instruction and assessment allows for personalized learning experiences
and ensures all students can grasp the concepts effectively.