Mathematics / Year 8 / Number and Algebra / Patterns and algebra

Curriculum content descriptions

Simplify algebraic expressions involving the four operations (ACMNA192)

Elaborations
  • understanding that the laws used with numbers can also be used with algebra
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Simplification (Algebra)

Online

reSolve: Quarter Cartons

This lesson challenges students to use algebra and proportional reasoning to investigate how changing the size of a paper square or rectangle impacts the dimensions of a box folded from that paper. Students apply knowledge about nets of 3D objects and explore algebraic relationships through a set of hands-on activities ...

Online

reSolve: Algebra: Tens and Units

This sequence of lessons aims to develop understanding of algebra as generalised arithmetic. Students learn to express 2- and 3-digit numbers in a general form and use this to explain results of arithmetic operations involving numbers with their digits reversed. The task links the ideas of place value with algebraic reasoning. ...

Online

reSolve: Polygon Pieces

This lesson explores the geometry of cutting polygons in different ways and using algebra to express subsequent findings. Students use one straight cut to divide a convex polygon into two new polygons. They make generalisations about the total number of sides of the two new polygons, and about the number of different combinations ...

Online

reSolve: Algebra: Think of a number - Linear Equations

This lesson explores algebra by generalising results from arithmetic used in 'think of a number' games. Students connect arithmetic operations with algebraic notation and visualisations. The lesson begins with an observation made using arithmetic that students then justify and extend using algebra. The lesson is outlined ...

Interactive

Expressions

An animated tutorial with a focus on collecting 'like' terms to simplify expressions. An interactive quiz is included.

Online

Algebraic expressions

This is a website designed for both teachers and students that addresses algebraic expressions from the Australian Curriculum for year 8 students. It contains material on using simple positive and negative fractions, substitution, collecting like terms, taking products, and expanding brackets using the distributive law ...

Online

reSolve: Working with algebra

This sequence of two lessons gives students opportunities to explore and share strategies for solving algebraic problems. The lessons focus on open-ended problem solving and developing multiple approaches to solving problems algebraically such as using like terms and substitution. Students work individually and in small ...

Interactive

Terms

An animated tutorial about terms and 'like' terms, followed by an interactive quiz.

Online

Linear expressions and equations: Year 8 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 8 is for the topic of Linear expressions and equations. Students build on their knowledge of the order of operations, simplifying algebraic terms and their prior knowledge of the arithmetic laws. Students will now create and rearrange linear expressions, as well as expand and factorise them.

Online

reSolve: Algebra: Addition Chain

This sequence of lessons explores making algebraic generalisations of sequences. Students use spreadsheets to investigate potential arithmetic relationships and then use algebra to identify and justify which relationships are generally true. The task can be used as a springboard for an in-depth exploration of the Fibonacci ...

Downloadable

Algebra: Foundation to Year 9

This comprehensive resource describes the progression of algebra-related ideas and algebraic thinking. The resource demonstrates examples of relevant teaching strategies, investigations, activity plans and connected concepts in algebra including teaching and cultural implications.

Video

MathXplosion, Ep 50: How to use a tetrahedron to solve the tree problem

How can you place four trees exactly the same distance apart from one other? By making a model! By using miniature trees to make a model of the problem, it becomes clear that a 2D solution is impossible. We learn how objects can help us visualise the problem situation, which in this case requires a 3D solution: a tetrahedron.

Video

Comparing fuel consumption

Is it more fuel efficient to drive or fly between two places? Watch this clip and learn how to calculate the answer. What are the various factors that need to be taken into account? This video was made using the American measurement of gallons per hour, American firgures for the average number of passengers in a car and ...

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Mixing Paints

This resource is a web page containing an investigative task to explore ratios. The context of mixing paints to particular ratios of colours provides a useful task to model practical situations involving ratios. A 'Getting started' and 'Solutions' page is also available to support the task. This resource is an activity ...

Text

Mixing Lemonade

This resource is a web page containing an interactive task to explore ratios and proportions. Compare different mixtures of lemonade and develop a strategy for deciding which is stronger each time. The task requires students to apply their understanding of ratio and proportions. A 'Getting started' page, 'Solution' and ...

Text

Six Notes All Nice Ratios

This resource is a web page containing a short task to explore ratio and fractions. The task is based on the Pythagoreans discovery that simple ratios of string length made nice sounds together. A 'Getting started' page, printable resource and solution is also available to support the task.This resource is an activity ...

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Triathlon and Fitness

This resource is a web page containing an investigative task that explores rate. The estimated rate at which a competitor burns calories per hour for each discipline of triathlon is used to answer a problem. A 'Getting started' and 'Solutions' page is also available to support the task. This resource is an activity from ...

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Mixing More Paints

This resource is a web page containing an investigative task to explore ratios and is a follow up to the task Mixing Paints. The context of mixing paints to particular ratios of colours provides a useful task to model practical situations involving ratios. A 'Getting started' and 'Solutions' page is also available to support ...

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Can you find your eight’s optimal training regime?

This resource is a web page containing an interactive resource to investigate the effect on a time trial or race after changes to a training regime. This is a useful resource to discuss how to conduct a fair test and get reliable data. Record results from trials in a table to analyse results. This resource is an activity ...

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Burning Down

This resource is a web page containing a challenging problem solving task that requires an understanding of rate and proportion. It can be solved in a number of ways for example graphically, using fractions or equations and all involve reasoning. A printable resource and solution is also available to support the task. This ...