Lesson Plan: Algebraic Expressions

Grade Level: 7th/8th Grade

Objectives:

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

1. Define and identify an algebraic expression.

2. Recognize the parts of an algebraic expression (terms, variables, coefficients, constants).

3. Simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms.

4. Translate word problems into algebraic expressions.

Materials Needed:

 Whiteboard and markers

 Graph paper (optional)

 Handouts with practice problems

 Worksheets with examples of algebraic expressions

 Projector (optional, for displaying examples)

Lesson Outline:

1. Introduction to Algebraic Expressions (10 minutes)

 Objective: Introduce the concept of an algebraic expression.

 Discussion: Ask students if they know what an expression is (without the equation sign). Define
an algebraic expression: A combination of numbers, variables, and operators (such as +,−,×,÷+,
-, \times, \div+,−,×,÷) that represents a value.

o Example: 3x+53x + 53x+5 is an algebraic expression.

 Important Terminology:

o Variable: A letter that represents an unknown number (e.g., xxx, yyy).

o Coefficient: The number that multiplies the variable (e.g., in 3x3x3x, 3 is the coefficient).

o Constant: A fixed number without a variable (e.g., in 3x+53x + 53x+5, 5 is the constant).
 o Terms: Parts of an algebraic expression separated by +++ or −-− (e.g., 3x+53x + 53x+5
has two terms: 3x3x3x and 555).

2. Guided Practice: Identifying Parts of an Algebraic Expression (10 minutes)

 Objective: Help students identify variables, coefficients, constants, and terms in algebraic
expressions.

 Example 1: Identify the parts of the expression 4x+74x + 74x+7.

o Variable: xxx

o Coefficient: 4

o Constant: 7

o Terms: 4x4x4x, 7

 Example 2: Identify the parts of the expression 2y−3+5y2y - 3 + 5y2y−3+5y.

o Variable: yyy

o Coefficients: 2 and 5

o Constant: -3

o Terms: 2y2y2y, −3-3−3, 5y5y5y

 Ask students to identify the parts of different algebraic expressions as a class:

1. 3a+5b−73a + 5b - 73a+5b−7

2. 6m−86m - 86m−8

3. 4x+3x−54x + 3x - 54x+3x−5

3. Simplifying Algebraic Expressions (15 minutes)

 Objective: Teach students how to simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms.

 Explanation:

o Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

o Example: Simplify 3x+5x3x + 5x3x+5x.

 Since both terms have xxx, combine the coefficients: 3x+5x=8x3x + 5x =

o Example 2: Simplify 2y−3+5y2y - 3 + 5y2y−3+5y.

 Practice Problems:

o Simplify 4x+3x−2x4x + 3x - 2x4x+3x−2x

o Simplify 6a+7b−3a+4b6a + 7b - 3a + 4b6a+7b−3a+4b

o Simplify 9m+2−3m−5+4m9m + 2 - 3m - 5 + 4m9m+2−3m−5+4m

 Have students work through a few problems on the board and encourage them to combine like
terms.

4. Translating Word Problems into Algebraic Expressions (10 minutes)

 Objective: Teach students how to translate real-world situations into algebraic expressions.

 Example 1:

o Problem: The cost of a notebook is nnn dollars, and the cost of a pen is 2 dollars. If you
buy 3 notebooks and 4 pens, write an expression for the total cost.

o Solution: The total cost would be: 3n+4×2=3n+83n + 4 \times 2 = 3n + 83n+4×2=3n+8

 Example 2:

o Problem: A number is multiplied by 5, then 3 is added. Write an expression for the

o Solution: The expression would be: 5x+35x + 35x+3

 Practice: Ask students to translate the following word problems into algebraic expressions:

1. The sum of a number yyy and 6 is multiplied by 3.

2. The difference between a number xxx and 5 is divided by 2.

3. A number is multiplied by 4, then 7 is subtracted from the result.

5. Independent Practice (10 minutes)

 Objective: Allow students to practice simplifying and writing their own algebraic expressions.

 Give students a worksheet with problems that involve:

o Identifying parts of an algebraic expression.

o Simplifying algebraic expressions.

o Translating word problems into algebraic expressions.

6. Conclusion and Review (5 minutes)

 Objective: Summarize the key points of the lesson.

 Recap the main concepts:

o An algebraic expression is made up of terms, coefficients, variables, and constants.

o Like terms can be combined to simplify expressions.

o Word problems can be translated into algebraic expressions by identifying key

 Encourage students to ask questions and clarify any doubts they have about algebraic
expressions.

Assessment & Homework:

 Exit Ticket:
Have students answer the following on an exit ticket:

o “Write an algebraic expression for the situation: The product of a number mmm and 6,
then subtract 4.”

 Homework:
Assign a worksheet with a variety of problems:

1. Simplify expressions.

2. Identify parts of algebraic expressions.

3. Translate word problems into algebraic expressions.

Extension:

For advanced students, introduce polynomials (expressions with more than two terms) and discuss how
to simplify them by combining like terms. You could also cover factoring as an extension of simplifying
expressions.