Numerical and Algebraic Expressions

Lesson 7

Math

Unit 3

7th Grade

Lesson 7 of 11

Objective


Simplify expressions by combining like terms and using the distributive property and properties of operations (Part 1).

Common Core Standards


Core Standards

  • 7.EE.A.1 — Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.

Foundational Standards

  • 6.EE.A.3
  • 6.EE.A.4
  • 7.NS.A.1
  • 7.NS.A.2

Criteria for Success


  1. Look for and make use of structure in expressions (MP.7).
  2. Analyze incorrect answers to highlight and correct misconceptions.
  3. Simplify expressions involving adding, subtracting, and expanding expressions with rational numbers.

Tips for Teachers


Lessons 7 and 8 pull together the concepts from the previous four lessons and engage students in simplifying complex expressions. In Lesson 7, students look at and discuss common misconceptions, and the problems become progressively more complex and challenging by the end of Lesson 8. Students will need to draw on their skills of computing with rational numbers from Unit 2.

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Anchor Problems

25-30 minutes


Problem 1

In math class, students are attempting to simplify the expression written on the board:

$${7-2(3-8x)}$$

Three students make an attempt at a first step:

Len writes:  $${5(3-8x)}$$

Monty writes: $${7-2(-5x)}$$

Nailany writes:  $${7-6-16x}$$

a.   Do you agree with any of the students? Explain your reasoning for each one.

b.   Oscar is a little stuck, so he rewrites the problem in a different way to help him determine what to do. He writes $${ 7+(-2)(3-8x)}$$. How might this new expression help Oscar simplify the expression? 

Guiding Questions

Create a free account or sign in to access the Guiding Questions for this Anchor Problem.

Student Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

References

Institute for Mathematics and Education Draft 6–8 Progression on Expressions and Equations

Draft 6–8 Progression on Expressions and Equations, by the Common Core Standards Writing Team is made available by Institute for Mathematics and Education, University of Arizona. © 2007 The Arizona Board of Regents. All contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Accessed Oct. 9, 2017, 10:34 a.m.. For updates and more information about the Progressions, see http://ime.math.arizona.edu/progressions.

Modified by Fishtank Learning, Inc.

Problem 2

Which expressions below are equivalent to $${4-3(6x-3)}$$? Select all that apply.

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Guiding Questions

Create a free account or sign in to access the Guiding Questions for this Anchor Problem.

Student Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Problem 3

Determine which expression is equivalent to $${\frac{3}{4}-x\left ( \frac{1}{2}-\frac{5}{8} \right )+\left ( -\frac{3}{8}x \right )}$$.

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Guiding Questions

Create a free account or sign in to access the Guiding Questions for this Anchor Problem.

Student Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

References

PARCC Released Items Math Spring Operational 2015 Grade 7 End of Year Released ItemsProblem 13

Math Spring Operational 2015 Grade 7 End of Year Released Items is made available by The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). Copyright © 2017 All Rights Reserved. Accessed Oct. 9, 2017, 10:41 a.m..

Problem Set

15-20 minutes


Give your students more opportunities to practice the skills in this lesson with a downloadable problem set aligned to the daily objective.

Target Task

5-10 minutes


Simplify the expressions.

a.   $${-2x+15-4(3x-1)}$$

b.   $${-(a+b)-\frac{3}{2}(a-b)}$$

Student Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Additional Practice


The following resources include problems and activities aligned to the objective of the lesson that can be used for additional practice or to create your own problem set.

Next

Simplify expressions by combining like terms and using the distributive property and properties of operations (Part 2).

Lesson 8
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Topic A: Evaluating Numerical and Algebraic Expressions

Topic B: Generating Equivalent Expressions

Topic C: Solving Multi-Step Problems using Expressions

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable math lesson plans for free