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

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. ...

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

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 ...

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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 ...

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 ...

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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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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.

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Algebra Tiles: Learning Sequence - Calculate

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

Interactive

Waste and materials – sustainability action process (Years 7–10)

This resource guides students through an extended school-based or local investigation focussed on waste and materials using the five-step sustainability action process. The resource supports the investigation of a real-world issue or problem. Students develop and implement a chosen sustainability action and then evaluate ...

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. Free when reviewed on 12/5/2015.

Interactive

Water use and efficiency – sustainability action process (Years 7–10)

This resource guides students through an extended school-based or local investigation focussed on water use and efficiency using the five step sustainability action process. The resource supports the investigation of a real-world issue or problem. Students develop and implement a chosen sustainability action and then evaluate ...

Interactive

Syllabus bites – speedy sliding

This is the first in a series of Syllabus bites related to transformations on the Cartesian plane aimed at Stage 4 Mathematics. Students find the coordinates of image points after translation. In doing so, they develop fluency in using coordinates and familiarity with the Cartesian plane, providing a basis for the investigations ...

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Give it your best shot

Students calculate the mean, median and mode for sets of data and select the appropriate measure of centre.

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Which has more volume?

Use this diagnostic task to assess what students know about volume and units to measure and compare volumes.

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Unit cubes and volume

This lesson uses unit cubes and hollow objects to demonstrate the concept of volume and the units used.

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Diagnostic task: Volume of prisms

Use these diagnostic tasks, Volume of prisms (1) and Volume of prisms (2), to assess a student’s understanding of working out the volume of rectangular prisms and a formula for volume.

Online

Practical numbers: Part 2

In this lesson we use the context of an ancient bazaar to investigate measurement systems. Students select a name and base number for their system of measurement, using weights made from clay or similar material. They divide their clay into possible unit fractions to generate their set of weights. They assign a fictional ...

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Can you beat the system?

In this lesson, students calculate the average expected value of losses on a roulette wheel over time, and use these values to analyse the cost of gambling on these games. They also study the flaws inherent in betting systems to determine whether these systems are weighted in the favour of game operators making a profit. ...

Online

Graphs: formulas and variables

In this lesson, students use algebra and linear equations to model two real-world scenarios to find information to make the best choice. Students set the aim of saving for a mobile phone (or similar goal) and use linear equations to model the pay rates of two part-time jobs to help make the better decision. This lesson ...