Year 7 - Maths
Multiplying an expression by a term
Expressions and equations
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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 distributive law to multiply an expression by a term.
Key Notes
- The distributive law can make multiplication easier.
- The distributive law can be understood using an area model.
- A bar model can be used to represent the distributive law.
- An expression can be multiplied by any term.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Constant: A constant is a term that does not change; it contains no variables.
- Variable: A variable is a quantity that can take on a range of values.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- How to deal with exponents. y^2 times by y makes 3y. Or at least has a coefficient that is not 1.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The distributive law can make multiplication easier. The distributive law can be understood using an area model.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Constant'
A constant is a term that does not change; it contains no variables. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: How to deal with exponents. y^2 times by y makes 3y. Or at least has a coefficient that is not 1. Correction: Unsimplifying first. Not sure? Break it down. What is it? a^2 is a x a. So a^2 x a must be a x a x a.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Algebraic notation Study Guide
- 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 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
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Maths guide library.