In this Grade 6 lesson from Big Ideas Math, Advanced 1, students learn to identify and define the parts of an algebraic expression, including terms, variables, coefficients, and constants. Students practice writing algebraic expressions using exponents and evaluating expressions with one or two variables by substituting values and applying the order of operations. Real-life scenarios, such as calculating hourly wages and costs, help students connect algebraic thinking to everyday problem-solving.
Section 1
Introduction to Algebraic Expressions
An algebraic expression is the same as an arithmetic expression, except that some of the entries are letters representing numbers.
These symbols are called variables and represent an unknown quantity.
To evaluate an algebraic expression, substitute specific values for the variables and perform the arithmetic operations according to the order of operations.
Section 2
Variables in Expressions
Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations to solve problems by reasoning about the quantities.
A variable is a letter or symbol that represents an unknown quantity.
An expression combines numbers, variables, and operations.
Think of a variable like a mystery box. It holds a number, but you might not know what it is yet. We use letters like or as labels for these boxes to build math sentences, called expressions, about real-life situations.
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Section 1
Introduction to Algebraic Expressions
An algebraic expression is the same as an arithmetic expression, except that some of the entries are letters representing numbers.
These symbols are called variables and represent an unknown quantity.
To evaluate an algebraic expression, substitute specific values for the variables and perform the arithmetic operations according to the order of operations.
Section 2
Variables in Expressions
Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations to solve problems by reasoning about the quantities.
A variable is a letter or symbol that represents an unknown quantity.
An expression combines numbers, variables, and operations.
Think of a variable like a mystery box. It holds a number, but you might not know what it is yet. We use letters like or as labels for these boxes to build math sentences, called expressions, about real-life situations.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter