Mathematics / Year 7 / Algebra

Curriculum content descriptions

recognise and use variables to represent everyday formulas algebraically and substitute values into formulas to determine an unknown (AC9M7A01)

Elaborations
  • linking variables to attributes and measures being modelled when using formulas, such as the area of a rectangle is equal to the length x width as \(A\;=\;l\;\times\;w\) or using \(p\;=\;6g\;+\;b\) to describe a total of points expressed as goals (worth \(6\) points) and behinds (worth one point)
  • interpreting and using formulas obtained from other sources; for example, maximum heart rates and target heart rates for moderate exercise
  • substituting numerical values for variables when using formulas and calculating the value of an unknown in practical situations; for example, calculating weekly wage \(W\) given base wage \(b\) and overtime hours \(h\) at \(1.5\) times rate \(r\), \(W\;=\;b+1.5\times h\times r\), using values for mass \(m\) and volume \(v\) to determine density \(d\) of a substance where \(d\;=\;\frac mv\)
  • using everyday formulas and their application to contexts on Country/Place, investigating the relationships between variables
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Substitution,  Variables (Mathematics),  Equations

Online

Introduction to algebra

This is a website designed for both teachers and students that addresses the introduction of algebra. It is particularly relevant for introducing the idea of the use of a variable as a way of representing numbers. There are pages for both teachers and students. The student pages contain interactive questions for students ...

Interactive

Squirt: three containers

Examine the relationships between capacities of various containers. Look at three containers that may have different diameters, heights and shapes. Fill a container and squirt liquids between the containers to establish the proportional relationship. Work out the third 'unlinked' relationship from two known relationships. ...

Online

Formulating algebraic expressions

This lesson encompasses students’ introduction to formal algebraic concepts. Students will be introduced to the concept of variables and will explore the construction of algebraic expressions using concrete materials. Students explore a range of authentic contexts and hands-on materials in this lesson to ensure their initial ...

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.

Online

Expressions, formulas and substitution

In the lesson ‘Formulating algebraic expressions’, students were introduced to variables and forming algebraic expressions. In this lesson, students continue to develop these skills and will explore substituting values into familiar and unfamiliar formulas to determine an unknown. Students explore substitution in a range ...

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Algebra Tiles: Learning Sequence - Calculate

The following is a suggested teaching and learning sequence for using Algebra Tiles.

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The Geometry and Algebra of Honeycomb - Calculate

This integrated unit of work explores the amazing structures of honeycomb by examining the properties of regular and irregular polygons and polyhedra. Students then move on to solve problems using geometric and algebraic reasoning.

Downloadable

The wide wide world of sports betting

This lesson explores the difference between perfectly predictable events (like the roll of a die) and less certain events (such as sports). Students investigate mathematically how sports bookmakers create odds to guarantee themselves a profit and pay gamblers less for a win than they deserve. The lesson is outlined in ...

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Representing Patterns - Calculate

In this activity, students examine the representation of patterns, including as diagrams, charts and formulas.

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Representing Patterns (Year 7) - Calculate

Patterns can be represented in several ways and this unit will explore five different representations.

Interactive

Rounding decimals

This is a six-page HTML resource about solving problems concerning rounding. It contains one video and eight questions, four of which are interactive. The resource discusses and explains solving problems with rounding of decimals to reinforce students' understanding.

Interactive

Multiplication of decimals by a whole number

This is a four-page HTML resource about solving problems concerning the multiplication of decimals. It contains one video and four questions, two of which are interactive. The resource discusses and explains solving problems involving multiplying a decimal by a whole number to reinforce the students' understanding.

Interactive

The divider: with or without remainders

Solve divisions such as 147/7 or 157/6 (some have remainders). Use a partitioning tool to help solve randomly generated divisions. Learn strategies to do complex arithmetic in your head. Split a division into parts that are easy to work with, use times tables, then solve the original calculation.

Interactive

The foul food maker: go figure

This tutorial is suitable for use with a screen reader. It explains how the use of simple words can describe the likelihood of everyday events. How likely is an event: certain, likely, equal chance, unlikely or certainly not? Answer some questions using these words and then build your own examples. Learn how to describe ...

Interactive

Converting decimals to percentages

This interactive resource consists of a series of questions about converting decimals into percentages. The viewer is required to convert a decimal number into a percentage and enter the answer in a window on the screen. The answer can be checked and, if correct, the viewer moves to the next question. Help is available ...

Interactive

Fish market: explore trading

Buy and sell fish in trading markets in a range of Australian and New Zealand cities. Compare market prices, supply and demand. Explore a range of traders to find the best deals and open up new markets. Find a rare fish. Maximise your profit and reputation as a smart trader. This learning object is the first in a series ...

Interactive

Time tools: 24-hour to the minute: time challenge

Use this tool to match clock times to the time presented on a Master clock. This learning object is one in a series of twelve learning objects.

Online

Secondary mathematics: different representations

These seven learning activities, which focus on 'representations' using a variety of tools (software) and devices (hardware), illustrate the ways in which content, pedagogy and technology can be successfully and effectively integrated in order to promote learning. In the activities, teachers use different representations ...

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Transformations of the plane

This is a website designed for both teachers and students that introduces some transformations of the plane using coordinates in the Cartesian plane. In particular, transformations, translations, reflections in an axis and rotations of multiples of 90 degrees are discussed. Coordinates are used to describe these transformations. ...

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Addition and subtraction of fractions

This is a website designed for both teachers and students that addresses addition and subtraction of fractions. There are pages for both teachers and students. The student pages contain interactive questions for students to check their progress in the topics.