Algebraic Expressions: understanding the vocabulary

Section role: supports the 'Naming the Parts of the Formula' section while the teacher formalizes the vocabulary of algebraic expressions using student-generated examples. Slides: (1) Title — 'Naming the Parts of Our Formula'; (2) What is a Variable? — bullets: definition as a symbol for an unknown, connecting to the 'mystery bags' from Section 1 and 'r' from Section 2; (3) What is a Constant? — bullets: definition as a fixed value, using 'R50' from the carnival challenge; (4) What is a Term? — bullets: definition as a building block separated by + or - signs, identifying '15r' and '50' as terms in '15r + 50', illustrating with '4x + 7' where '4x' and '7' are terms; (5) What is a Coefficient? — bullets: definition as the number multiplying the variable, identifying '15' in '15r' and '4' in '4x', addressing negative coefficients with '-3x' (coefficient is -3); (6) Putting It All Together: Algebraic Expressions — bullets: definition as the entire mathematical phrase, showing '15r + 50' as a complete expression, including a more complex example like '5y² - 2y + 8' and asking students to identify its terms, coefficients, and constants. Closing slide: 'Can you identify the terms, coefficients, and constants in any expression?' — sets up the 'Expression Architect Drill' activity that follows.

Lara from Teachy