Expressions and Equations

Students are expected to solve multi-step equations fluently. But do they understand the connection between expressions and equations? Or the foundation and purpose behind the order of operations? The following prompt could be used as an informal assessment to answer these questions.

Expressions and Equations

Students create a numerical expression with a specified value. Ask students to stand up, hand up, pair up to trade expressions and check for accuracy. Students replace the integer "-2" with the variable x, set the algebraic expression equal to their specified value, and solve for x. Again ask students to stand up, hand up, pair up to trade equations to check for accuracy. Ask students to Mix-N-Match to pair with someone using the same goal number. Students set their algebraic expressions equal to each other and solve for x. Note: To avoid the possibility of quadratic equations, be sure students do not place "-2" in the denominator of their numerical expression.

This activity highlights Common Core State Standard 7.EE.B.4a included in MATH-7 and Accelerated MATH-7.