Problem solving with expressions and formulae
I can use my knowledge of expressions and formulae to solve problems.
Problem solving with expressions and formulae
I can use my knowledge of expressions and formulae to solve problems.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Expressions can be used whenever you wish to generalise.
- This can be very useful when there is something you do not know and wish to calculate.
- Situations involving expressions can occur in a variety of contexts.
Keywords
Binomial - A binomial is an algebraic expression representing the sum of exactly two unlike terms.
Common misconception
When subtracting expression pupils forget to subtract both terms from the second espression.
Watch out for mistakes with negatives here. Pupils should find it much easier to re-write subtractions as additions of additive inverses and that way they only need to add.
To help you plan your year 9 maths lesson on: Problem solving with expressions and formulae, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 maths lesson on: Problem solving with expressions and formulae, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Expressions and formulae unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions



$$(x + 5)(x + 1)$$ -
$$x^2 + 6x + 5$$
$$(x + 5)(x - 1)$$ -
$$x^2 + 4x - 5$$
$$(x - 5)(x + 1)$$ -
$$x^2 - 4x - 5$$
$$(x - 5)(x -1)$$ -
$$x^2 - 6x + 5$$
$$(x + 2)^2$$ -
$$x^2 + 4x + 4$$
$$(x - 2)^2$$ -
$$x^2 -4x + 4$$
Exit quiz
6 Questions




