55 Minute Lesson Plan

Algebra - Grade 9
Writing Algebraic Expressions
Objective: The students will understand how to read and write algebraic
expressions using letters in place of numbers by restating algebraic expressions as
words and vice-versa
Common Core Standard: HS.A-SSE.A.1.a
Algebra - Seeing Structure in Expressions HS.A-SSE.A.1
Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.
A.1 Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.
a. Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients.
ISTE: 1c Empowered Learner
1. Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and
demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning
sciences.
1c. Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves
their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
Anticipatory Set:
Think back to yesterday. In class we discussed what a variable is and what an
algebraic expression is. On a sheet of paper write the definition of a variable and
the two parts of an algebraic expression.
Go over the correct answers by calling on students randomly using Ask-Pause-Call
Today we are going to learn how to translate algebraic expressions into words and
words into algebraic expressions.
Information:
The following chart will be used to introduce the terminology for mathematical
symbols. Students will create a copy of the chart on the same paper used at the
start of class. They will fill in the chart as the instructor gives the proper terminology
for each symbol.
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Addition +

Subtraction -

Multiplication ()
*

Division /

Sum of

Difference of

Product of

Quotient of

Increased by

Decreased by

Multiplied by

Divided by

Plus

Minus

Times

Ratio of

More than

Less than

I do: The teacher will model how to translate an algebraic expression into words in
two ways
m+5
7x y
7n-18
3x
We do:
Matching Partners:
Teacher will distribute cards to the students at random. Once all cards have been
distributed the students will have 1 minute to get up and find their partner by
matching the picture cards with the appropriate word card. Once paired the student
with the picture will have 30 seconds to get ONE whiteboard, ONE marker, and a
paper towel for the pair at the front of the class and sit back down. They are to sit
shoulder to shoulder next to one another.
Think, Pair, Share:
Once the students are paired and have their materials they will be given a series of
practice expressions. The partner with the card that had the word on it will write
first. They are to work together to translate the expressions into phrases. After 1
minute the signal of Markers Down, Boards Up will be given and the students
will raise their boards in the air. Instructor will check the answers then choose a pair
to share their answer with the class. After 10-20 seconds of discussion with the class
the partners will trade off with the person having the picture card writing the
answer next. This trade off will happen back and forth until each practice problem
has been covered. Check for understanding of the procedures before beginning.

Ask:
How will you find your partner?
Who is collecting the materials?
Who is writing first?
How long do you have to write your answers?
Someone please summarize for us what we are about to do.
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Information Part 2:
-

I do: Teacher will now model how to translate phrases into algebraic expressions.
13 plus x
14 less than some number
22 divided by some number
5 times the product of x and y
We do:
Think, Pair, Share Part 2:
Students will work with their partner again, this time to translate phrases into
expressions. The partner with the card that had the word on it will write first again.
They are to work together to translate the phrases into expressions. After 1 minute
the signal of Markers Down, Boards Up will be given and the students will
raise their boards in the air. Instructor will check the answers then choose a pair to
share their answer with the class. After 10-20 seconds of discussion with the class
the partners will trade off with the person having the picture card writing the
answer next. This trade off will happen back and forth until each practice problem
has been covered. Check for understanding of the procedures before beginning.

Ask:
Who is writing first?
How long do you have to write your answers?
Someone please summarize for us what we are about to do.
You do:
Closure:
Students will play Kahoot to see if they understand how to translate algebraic
expressions into words and how to translate words into algebraic expressions.
Materials and Resources:
Whiteboards
Paper
Writing Utensils
Matching Cards
Individual Whiteboards and Markers
Paper Towels
Computer/Internet access
Kahoot Quiz
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Assessment:
Translate the following algebraic expressions into words:
1.
2.
3.
4.

6*n-3
7+2d
18r/3
3x+6y
Translate the following phrases into algebraic expressions:

1.
2.
3.
4.

15 less than some number

The product of 7 and some number
The ratio of some number to 9
6 increased by 4 times some number