Algebraic notation
I can use the particular conventions of algebraic notation and understand that following these aids clear communication.
Algebraic notation
I can use the particular conventions of algebraic notation and understand that following these aids clear communication.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Expressions involving repeated addition can be written more simply.
- Expressions involving multiplication can be written more simply using algebra conventions.
- Expressions involving algebraic terms can be written in index form.
- Some conventions make it more simple to read expressions.
Common misconception
Pupils may write a3 instead of 3a to represent multiplication of a and 3.
Use algebra tiles to show a x 3 gives 3 lots of a. Highlight that conventions make mathematics clearer to read and avoids miscommunication.
Keywords
Term - A term is single number or letter, or the product of numbers and/or variables. Each term is separated by the operators + and –
Expression - Expressions contain one or more terms, where each term is separated by an operator.
Conventions - Mathematical conventions are notations or processes generally agreed upon.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
$$12+-5$$ -
7
$$-12+-5$$ -
-17
$$-12+5$$ -
-7
$$12--5$$ -
17
Exit quiz
6 Questions
$$r+r+r$$ -
$$3r$$
$$r+r+r-r$$ -
$$2r$$
$$r\times4$$ -
$$4r$$
$$r\times r\times r $$ -
$$r^3$$
$$r\times r\times r\times r$$ -
$$r^4$$
$$r+r-r+r+r-r-r$$ -
$$r$$
$$9a-3$$ -
a number multiplied by 9 then 3 is subtracted
$$9(a-3)$$ -
a number minus 3 then multiplied by 9
$$9\over a-3$$ -
9 divided by 3 less than a number
$${9\over a} -3 $$ -
9 divided by a number then 3 is subtracted
$$9a^3$$ -
a number cubed then multiplied by 9
$$(9a)^3$$ -
a number multiplied by 9 then cubed