Combining Like Terms: Making Algebra Simpler!

Mathematics Grades 7th Grade 4:32 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to combine like terms in algebraic expressions to simplify them. This lesson introduces the concept with visual examples and then moves to abstract algebraic notation.

Video Resource

Combining like terms introduction | Introduction to algebra | Algebra I | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:32
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Variables represent unknown quantities.
  • Like terms have the same variable raised to the same power.
  • Coefficients are the numerical part of a term.
  • Combining like terms simplifies expressions.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify like terms in an algebraic expression.
  • Students will be able to combine like terms to simplify algebraic expressions.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Start with a real-world example: 'If you have 2 apples and then get 3 more apples, how many apples do you have?' Relate this to the concept of combining similar objects. Introduce the idea that in algebra, we combine 'like terms,' which are terms with the same variable.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Combining like terms introduction'. Encourage students to take notes on key vocabulary (like terms, coefficients) and examples.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through examples on the board, similar to those in the video. Start with simple examples like 3x + 2x, then progress to more complex examples like 5y + 2x + 3y + x. Emphasize the importance of only combining terms with the same variable. Use visual aids, like colored markers, to highlight like terms.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing various algebraic expressions. Instruct them to identify the like terms and simplify the expressions by combining them. Circulate to provide individual assistance as needed.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (8 mins)
    Review the main concepts of the lesson. Have students share their solutions to the independent practice problems. Administer the multiple-choice quiz to assess understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Term Matching Game
    Create cards with different algebraic terms. Have students match the cards with like terms. This can be done individually or in small groups.
  • Online Practice
    Use online resources like Khan Academy or IXL to provide students with additional practice problems on combining like terms.

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean for terms to be 'like' terms?
  • Why can't we combine terms with different variables?
  • How can combining like terms help us solve equations?

Skills Developed

  • Identifying like terms
  • Simplifying algebraic expressions
  • Applying the distributive property (as an extension)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following terms is a 'like term' with 3x?

Correct Answer: 5x

Question 2:

What is the coefficient in the term 7y?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 3:

Simplify the expression: 2a + 5a

Correct Answer: 7a

Question 4:

Which expression cannot be simplified further?

Correct Answer: 2a + 3b

Question 5:

Simplify: 8b - 3b

Correct Answer: 5b

Question 6:

What are the like terms in the expression: 4x + 2y + 3x - y?

Correct Answer: 4x and 3x, 2y and -y

Question 7:

Simplify: 6p + 2 + 3p + 1

Correct Answer: 9p + 3

Question 8:

Which of the following is NOT a like term to 5?

Correct Answer: 5x

Question 9:

Simplify: x + x + x + 2x

Correct Answer: 5x

Question 10:

Simplify: 10z - 4z + z

Correct Answer: 7z

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Terms that have the same variable are called _____ terms.

Correct Answer: like

Question 2:

The number multiplied by a variable is called the _____.

Correct Answer: coefficient

Question 3:

2x + 5x simplifies to _____.

Correct Answer: 7x

Question 4:

When simplifying expressions, you can only combine _____ terms.

Correct Answer: like

Question 5:

7y - 3y simplifies to _____.

Correct Answer: 4y

Question 6:

In the expression 9a + 4b, the coefficient of 'a' is _____.

Correct Answer: 9

Question 7:

Simplifying 3x + 2 + 4x results in _____.

Correct Answer: 7x + 2

Question 8:

The 'like term' of 8x is _____.

Correct Answer: x

Question 9:

In the expression 5 + 6x - 2, the constants can be combined to result in ____ + 6x

Correct Answer: 3

Question 10:

The simplified form of 4z + z - 2z is _____.

Correct Answer: 3z

Educational Standards

7.A.4:Use order of operations and properties of operations to generate and evaluate equivalent numerical and algebraic expressions. 7.A.4.1:Use properties of operations (associative, commutative, and distributive) to generate equivalent numerical and algebraic expressions containing rational numbers, grouping symbols and whole number exponents. 7.A.3:Represent mathematical situations using equations and inequalities involving variables and rational numbers.

Teaching Materials

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