Algebra introductory lesson

1. Algebra
It’s not as scary as it
sounds

2. Just what is Algebra?
I’ll bet you weren’t expecting a history lesson in
math class!
Algebra comes from the Arabic word “al-jebr”
which means “reunion of broken parts”

3. What will you learn?
Upon completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Write and evaluate numerical expressions
involving whole-number exponents.
Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which
letters stand for numbers.
Write expressions that record operations with
numbers and with letters standing for numbers.
For example, express the calculation "Subtract y
from 5" as 5 - y.

4. First things first
https://learnzillion.com/lessons/460-write-
numerical-expressions-involving-wholenumber-
exponents
You all know how much I LOVE to watch these
videos. Sit back, relax, and pay close attention.
This is a review for most of you.
Ok, now that we have finished the video
everyone pick a partner and write and these
equations as exponents and solve them:
4x4x4x4 ; 5x5 ; 7x7x7x7x7x7x7

5. Exponents continued
Now what about combining exponents?
Can we use multiple exponents in an equation?
Well, sure we can!
Check it out:
5x5x5+7x7+2x2x2x2=_____________________
____

6. Let’s talk about “N”…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNsVILErh0M
Let’s talk about what you just saw
If I asked you to write an expression that states
12 less than any given number, what would you
write?
_________________________________________
_____
Now come up with your own equation with “N” being
any given number.

7. Let’s practice what we’ve
learned
In new partnered pairs, each of you will create:
5 equations that can be expressed as
exponents; at least two need to be combined
exponential equations
Write 3 equations using letters to represent
numbers
Write the following as equations:
Subtract “Y” from 5
Add X to 7
Multiply N by 12

8. Let’s get creative…
In your partnered pairs research algebraic word
problems online and choose 3 to solve.
Create a small presentation to “teach” the class how
you solved at least 1 of the word problems.
Be sure to include step by step instructions, at least 1
visual aid, and the solution to each word problem on
a separate sheet. Once the class has watched your
presentation, each student will solve the word
problems and compare them to your solution.
How effective was your presentation? How many
students were able to accurately solve the word
problems?

9. Well done!
You my friends, are on your way to
understanding and using Algebra in
class, and your everyday life.
Please write in your journals
something that we learned today,
and whether or not you liked it and
why.

10. References
(2015, ). Grade 6 » expressions & equations.
Retrieved from Common Core State Standards
website:
http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/6/EE
/
Lombardo, A. (2015, ). Write numerical
expressions involving whole-number exponents.
Retrieved from Learn Zillion website:
https://learnzillion.com/lessons/460-write-
numerical-expressions-involving-wholenumber-
exponents