Simplify Algebraic Expressions

My Notes Level 1 Support Level 2 Standard Level 3 Enrichment

Today's objectives

Content Objective: I can simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms.

Language Objective: I can explain my steps using the words like terms, combine, simplify, and coefficient.

📖 See Learn It for the explanation and worked examples, and the Vocab tab for the words. These are your notes to fill in and keep.

✏️ Fill in each blank as we go. Use the Word Bank to help you.

📚 Word Bank — fill each blank with the best word

👆 Tap any word to see what it means and a picture.

Level 3: try the blanks from memory first, then check the bank.

1Terms with the same variable part, like 3y and 8y, are .
2To add or subtract like terms into a single term is to them.
3To write an expression in its shortest equal form is to it.
4The number multiplied by a variable is the .
5A number or variable separated by + or − signs is a .
6Multiplying each part of a sum by a number uses the property.

Write About the Math Guided ESOL writing

Use the support level you need. Every level answers the same math question.

1. Understand the Question

explain

To simplify 6x + 4 + 2x + 7, which are the like terms, and how do you combine them?

Your job: Answer the question. Use math evidence. Explain how the evidence proves your answer.Responde la pregunta. Usa evidencia matemática. Explica cómo la evidencia demuestra tu respuesta.

2. Plan Your Math Words

Check at least two words you will use.

Like Terms — Terms with the same letter, like 2x and 5x.Términos semejantes — Términos con la misma letra, como 2x y 5x. Combine — To add or subtract terms with the same letter into one.Combinar — Sumar o restar términos con la misma letra en uno solo. Simplify — To write an expression in its shortest form.Simplificar — Escribir una expresión en su forma más corta. Coefficient — The number in front of a letter, like the 3 in 3x.Coeficiente — El número frente a una letra, como el 3 en 3x. Term — A single number, variable, or product of them, separated by + or − signs.Término — Un solo número, variable o producto de ellos, separado por signos + o −.

Say it first: Say your idea to a partner or quietly to yourself before you write.Di tu idea a un compañero o en voz baja antes de escribir.

The like terms are ___ and ___.Los términos semejantes son ___ y ___.

3. Build Your Explanation

Model the parts: This model shows the parts of an explanation. It does not answer your writing question.

Claim: You can only combine items of the same type, just like like terms.

Evidence: Students explain microphones combine with microphones (4 + 2 + 6 = 12) but not with stands, connecting this to combining like terms in algebra.

Reasoning: This evidence connects the definition of simplify to the mathematical claim.

Start

Most language support

Complete the frames. Use the word bank.Completa las oraciones. Usa el banco de palabras.

The like terms are ___ and ___.Los términos semejantes son ___ y ___.
I combine them by ___ to get ___.Los combino al ___ para obtener ___.

Build

Some language support

Write two connected sentences. Use because, so, or but.Escribe dos oraciones conectadas. Usa porque, entonces o pero.

My claim is ___.Mi afirmación es ___.
I know because ___.Lo sé porque ___.
So ___.Entonces ___.

Explain

Light language support

Write a claim, give math evidence, and explain your reasoning.Escribe una afirmación, da evidencia matemática y explica tu razonamiento.

My claim is ___.Mi afirmación es ___.
My math evidence is ___.Mi evidencia matemática es ___.
This proves ___ because ___.Esto demuestra ___ porque ___.

4. Check Your Explanation

I answered the question.Respondí la pregunta. I used math evidence: numbers, an equation, a model, or a comparison.Usé evidencia matemática: números, una ecuación, un modelo o una comparación. I explained how the evidence proves my answer.Expliqué cómo la evidencia demuestra mi respuesta. I used at least two math words.Usé por lo menos dos palabras matemáticas. I reread complete sentences and punctuation.Volví a leer mis oraciones completas y la puntuación.