Mathematics / Year 7 / Algebra

Curriculum content descriptions

generate tables of values from visually growing patterns or the rule of a function; describe and plot these relationships on the Cartesian plane (AC9M7A05)

Elaborations
  • plotting points from a table of values generated using simple linear functions and recognising patterns, such as the points lie on a straight line
  • discussing and using variables to create a general rule and use the rule to determine the value of the dependent variable for any given value of the independent variable; for example, plotting the value of the circumference of a circle for varying values of radius
  • using function machines to generate a table of ordered pairs using input and output values, plotting the relationships on a Cartesian plane and describing the graph in terms of shape
  • using diagrams and manipulatives to form linear growth patterns, representing these patterns in tables and describing the relationship in terms of the way the pattern is growing and in the context of the situation
  • using a simple general-purpose programming language to create and use algorithms that generate growing patterns and graphing the relationships on a Cartesian plane
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Cartesian coordinates,  Tables (Data),  Growing patterns,  Sequences (Number patterns)

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Linear Algebra Year 7 - Calculate

The focus of this activity is to find out what students know about linear equations and what are some of the different strategies students are able to use and explain. Do students prefer to use equations or do students rely more on empty number lines?

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Representing Patterns (Year 7) - Calculate

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

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Representing Patterns - Calculate

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

Video

What are pixels?

Meet Kevin Systrom and Piper Hanson as they explain how digital images work. What are pixels, those tiny dots of light, made from? How are colours created and represented? What does Kevin say about the way mathematical functions are used to create different image filters. What is the difference between image resolution ...

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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

Simple coordinates game

This is an interactive resource about plotting and identifying points on the Cartesian plane. The resource can be used in one of two modes. In the View mode, the student can enter the coordinates, and the corresponding point is identified on the coordinate plane when the 'Plot' button is selected. In the Guess mode, the ...

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The laws of arithmetic and their use in algebra

This is a website designed for both teachers and students that refers to algebraic notation, the laws of arithmetic and the use of these laws in algebra from the Australian Curriculum for year 7 students. It contains material on algebraic notation, the commutative and associative laws, the use of brackets and the orders ...

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Mental computation

This is a website designed for both teachers and students that discusses methods of mental computation. In particular, applying the associative, commutative and distributive laws to aid mental and written computation is discussed. These are important ideas for the introduction of algebra. There are pages for both teachers ...

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Catalyst: Take the Phi Golden challenge

The golden ratio, Phi: fact or fallacy? What about the Fibonacci sequence? We are told this ratio and its cousin Fibonacci occur everywhere in nature. Let's see which of these claims stacks up when put to the test.

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Patterns, primes and Pascal's Triangle

Are you intrigued by patterns? Check out Vi Hart as she explains how to visualise patterns in prime numbers, using Ulam's Spiral. Watch as Vi creates patterns, using Pascal's Triangle to explore relationships in number. See what happens when she circles the odd numbers. What rule does she use to create the final pattern?

Interactive

Syllabus bites: More Venn diagrams

An interactive exploration of Venn diagrams with three attributes.

Interactive

Desmos Graphing Calculator - Google Play app

Plot functions, create tables, add sliders and animate your graphs. Touch points of interest on the graph to show maximums, minimums and points of intersection. Type in an equation and watch the calculator solve the problem.

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MathXplosion, Ep 33: On the grid

Explore graphs, grids and mapping with a focus on reading and writing location data using coordinate geometry. Grids and maps illustrate the concepts of parallel/perpendicular lines (axes or labelled number lines), ordered pairs and intersection points.

Interactive

Syllabus bites: Using Venn diagrams to solve problems

Worked examples and guided exercises to assist students learning to use Venn diagrams as an organiser for solving mathematical problems.

Interactive

Syllabus bites: Introducing Venn diagrams

An interactive resource in which students explore, interpret and draw Venn diagrams with two attributes.

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Are plants mathematicians?

Ever noticed that plants are examples of Fibonacci numbers? Watch Vi Hart draw examples of flower petals and leaf growth that follow this pattern. See how plants seem to use Phi (.), the golden ratio. Find out how to make your own 'angle-a-tron' to create interesting petal designs. This is the second in a series of two.

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TIMES Module 1: Number and Algebra: sets and Venn diagrams - teacher guide

This is a 22-page guide for teachers. The module provides an introduction to set notation and demonstrates its use in logic, probability and functions.

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.

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Years 7–8: General purpose programming

This scope and sequence unit introduces skills and tools for designing and testing algorithms, building up to the use of nested control structures and functions.

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Numbers Count: What are factors?

What are factors? Watch as the jelly babies in this clip show you! What are the factors of 12? How many factors does the number 11 have? Try explaining to a friend what a prime number is.