Unit 5: Algebraic Expressions

Overview

Ever wondered how to teach algebraic expressions in an engaging way to your 6th-grade students?

In this unit plan, students will first learn about identifying parts of an expression. They will then build on this to master combining like terms and the distributive property.

Lastly, students will explore evaluating algebraic expressions, writing algebraic expressions, and prime factorization, all while engaging with real-life applications of the concepts.

Get the Unit Materials

Algebraic Expressions Guided Notes BUNDLE | 6th Grade CCSS | Combine Like Terms

Algebraic Expressions Guided Notes BUNDLE | 6th Grade CCSS | Combine Like Terms

$13.99 · Extensions sold separately

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Learning Objectives

After this unit, students will be able to:

  • Identify and describe the parts of an algebraic expression, such as coefficients, variables, constants, and exponents.

  • Combine like terms in algebraic expressions containing only positive numbers.

  • Apply the distributive property to simplify algebraic expressions with only positive numbers.

  • Evaluate algebraic expressions using order of operations and substitution.

  • Write algebraic expressions based on real-life scenarios and key vocabulary terms.

  • Define prime numbers and composite numbers and apply prime factorization using factor trees.

  • Represent prime factorization using exponents (e.g., 125 = 5^3).

  • Explain the real-world applications of prime factorization, such as cryptography and problem-solving.

Prerequisites

Before this unit, students should be familiar with:

  • Understanding basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

  • Knowledge of the order of operations

  • Understanding of variables and constants

  • Ability to simplify numerical expressions

  • Familiarity with basic algebraic vocabulary such as term, coefficient, variable, constant, and expression.

Materials

Key Vocabulary

  • Algebraic Expression

  • Like Terms

  • Distributive Property

  • Evaluating

  • Order of Operations

  • Substitution

  • Numerical Expression

  • Prime Factorization

Lesson Map

Extensions

Simplifying Evaluating Writing Algebraic Expressions 6th Grade Warm Ups Review

Simplifying Evaluating Writing Algebraic Expressions 6th Grade Warm Ups Review

$4.99

Engage 6th grade math students with warm ups activities to practice algebraic expressions including identifying parts of an expression (expressions vs. equations), writing algebraic expression, evaluating algebraic expressions, combining like terms, and distributive property! These daily review & bell ringers, are perfect for daily math practice, spiral review, or quick test prep, aligned to CCSS and TEKS.

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Expressions Pixel Art Unit BUNDLE | 6th Grade CCSS | Numerical Algebraic

Expressions Pixel Art Unit BUNDLE | 6th Grade CCSS | Numerical Algebraic

$12.99

Students practice numerical & algebraic expressions, including evaluating numerical expressions with order of operations and PEMDAS, writing algebraic expressions, evaluating algebraic expressions for particular variable values, and simplifying algebraic expressions by combining like terms and applying the distributive property to find equivalent expressions with this 6th Grade CCSS Expressions Pixel Art Unit Bundle. Contains 5 products with 10 pixel art activities total for a complete 6th grade Common Core expressions unit.

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Unit 4

Ratios, Rates, Percents & Unit Conversions

Unit 6

Equations & Inequalities

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