Year 7 - Maths
Algebraic notation
Expressions and equations
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about generalisation and formal algebraic manipulation techniques such as substitution, collecting like terms and factorising.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use the particular conventions of algebraic notation and understand that following these aids clear communication.
Key Notes
- Expressions involving repeated addition can be written more simply.
- Expressions involving multiplication can be written more simply using algebra conventions.
- Expressions involving algebraic terms can be written in index form.
- Some conventions make it more simple to read expressions.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Term: A term is single number or letter, or the product of numbers and/or variables. Each term is separated by the operators + and –
- Expression: Expressions contain one or more terms, where each term is separated by an operator.
- Conventions: Mathematical conventions are notations or processes generally agreed upon.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may write a3 instead of 3a to represent multiplication of a and 3.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Expressions involving repeated addition can be written more simply. Expressions involving multiplication can be written more simply using algebra conventions.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Term'
A term is single number or letter, or the product of numbers and/or variables. Each term is separated by the operators + and –. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may write a3 instead of 3a to represent multiplication of a and 3. Correction: Use algebra tiles to show a x 3 gives 3 lots of a. Highlight that conventions make mathematics clearer to read and avoids miscommunication.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Algebraic terminology Study Guide
- Checking understanding of expressions and equations Study Guide
- Factorising expressions Study Guide
- Generalised algebraic statements Study Guide
- Highest common factor with algebraic terms Study Guide
- Like terms Study Guide
- Multiplying an expression by a constant Study Guide
- Multiplying an expression by a term Study Guide
- Multiplying and simplifying with multiple expressions Study Guide
- Problem solving with expressions and equations Study Guide
- Representing a generalised number Study Guide
- Representing an unknown or variable Study Guide
- Securing understanding of expressions and equations Study Guide
- Simplifying before multiplying with multiple expressions Study Guide
- Simplifying by collecting like terms Study Guide
- Substituting particular values Study Guide
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