Combining Like Terms: Simplifying Expressions Like a Pro!

Mathematics Grades 7th Grade 3:06 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to combine like terms in algebraic expressions to simplify them. This lesson uses a fun, visual approach to help you understand the core concepts of algebra.

Video Resource

How to combine like terms | Introduction to algebra | Algebra I | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 3:06
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Key Concepts

  • Variables
  • Coefficients
  • Like Terms
  • Simplifying Expressions

Learning Objectives

  • Identify like terms in algebraic expressions.
  • Combine like terms to simplify algebraic expressions.
  • Understand the meaning of variables and coefficients.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about algebra. Introduce the concept of using letters to represent numbers (variables). Briefly explain that this lesson will focus on simplifying algebraic expressions by combining 'like terms'.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'How to combine like terms | Introduction to algebra | Algebra I | Khan Academy'. Instruct students to take notes on the key definitions and examples provided.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through several example problems on the board, demonstrating how to identify and combine like terms. Start with simple examples like 3x + 2x and gradually increase the complexity (e.g., 5y - 2y + 3 + y).
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing algebraic expressions to simplify. Circulate to provide assistance as needed.
  • Review and Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the answers to the worksheet problems. Address any remaining questions or misconceptions. Summarize the key concepts of like terms and simplifying expressions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Term Matching Game
    Create a matching game where students have to match like terms. This can be done on paper or using online interactive tools.
  • Group Simplification
    Divide students into small groups and give each group a complex algebraic expression to simplify. Have them present their solutions to the class.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some real-world situations where you might use algebra?
  • Why is it important to simplify algebraic expressions?

Skills Developed

  • Algebraic Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Attention to Detail

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following are like terms?

Correct Answer: 4y and -7y

Question 2:

What is the coefficient in the term 7x?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 3:

Simplify the expression: 2a + 5a - a

Correct Answer: 6a

Question 4:

Which expression is equivalent to 3x + 2 + x - 1?

Correct Answer: 4x + 1

Question 5:

What does a variable represent in an algebraic expression?

Correct Answer: An unknown number

Question 6:

Simplify: 8y - 3y + 2y

Correct Answer: 7y

Question 7:

Which term cannot be combined with 4x?

Correct Answer: 4x²

Question 8:

What is the simplified form of 6b + 2 - 4b + 5?

Correct Answer: 2b + 7

Question 9:

If you have 9z and subtract 4z, how many z's do you have left?

Correct Answer: 5z

Question 10:

Which of the following is a simplified expression?

Correct Answer: 7a + 5

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

In the term 5x, the 5 is called the ________.

Correct Answer: coefficient

Question 2:

Terms that have the same variable raised to the same power are called ________ ________.

Correct Answer: like terms

Question 3:

To simplify an expression, you ________ like terms.

Correct Answer: combine

Question 4:

A ________ is a letter that represents an unknown number.

Correct Answer: variable

Question 5:

The simplified form of 3x + 4x is ________.

Correct Answer: 7x

Question 6:

9y - 2y = ________

Correct Answer: 7y

Question 7:

Unlike terms, such as 2x and 2y, ________ be combined.

Correct Answer: cannot

Question 8:

Simplifying an expression makes it ________ to understand.

Correct Answer: easier

Question 9:

When combining like terms, you only add or subtract the ________.

Correct Answer: coefficients

Question 10:

The expression 5a + 3 - 2a can be simplified to ________.

Correct Answer: 3a+3

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.

Teaching Materials

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