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)

Text

8A01A Algebra - Ochre Education

This unit of work focuses on algebra. Students simplify algebraic expressions involving adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing simple algebraic terms up to squares and cubes of algebraic factors that do not require use of exponent laws (such as multiplying and dividing coefficients or writing chains of or fractions ...

Text

8A02A Equations - Ochre Education

This unit of work focuses on equations. Students solve linear equations involving integers and rational numbers as coefficients and solutions, the unknown on one or both sides of the equation, expanding brackets and simplifying expressions on one or both sides of the equation including verifying solutions; solve pure quadratic ...

Text

Work sample Year 8 Mathematics: Linear Relationships in the real world

This work sample demonstrates evidence of student learning in relation to aspects of the achievement standards for Year 8 Mathematics. The primary purpose for the work sample is to demonstrate the standard, so the focus is on what is evident in the sample not how it was created. The sample is an authentic representation ...

Text

Work sample Year 8 Mathematics: Random selection

This work sample demonstrates evidence of student learning in relation to aspects of the achievement standards for Year 8 Mathematics. The primary purpose for the work sample is to demonstrate the standard, so the focus is on what is evident in the sample not how it was created. The sample is an authentic representation ...

Downloadable

One word changes it all

Exploring the meaning of 'and' and 'or' in probability.

Downloadable

How many in the queue?

Students use visualising and movement activities to develop an understanding of the relationship between variables.

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

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

Patterns and number facts: Year 8 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 8 is for the topic of Patterns and number facts. Students bring together knowledge and skills on linear functions and relations and experiment with digital tools to investigate systematic variation of parameters to show the effect. Students cement their understanding of the 'm' and the 'c' ...

Online

Mathematical modelling (Algebra): Year 8 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 8 is for the topic of Mathematical modelling. Students model linear relationships to solve real-world applications that they can relate to, such as financial contexts (for example, pay rates for part-time work) or measurements (for example, cooking, constant speed and distance/time graphs, ...

Online

Graphs: Year 8 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 8 is for the topic of Graphs. Students explore linear relationships in the context of the Cartesian plane using digital tools. Students will then go on to find the rule for a linear relationship and solve linear equations, both graphically and algebraically.

Online

Probability calculations: Year 8 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 8 is for the topic of Probability calculations. Students are introduced to more complex probability concepts, terminology and visual representations for all combinations of two events. Students learn the language and differences between the connectors: ‘and’, ‘or’(inclusive or exclusive), ...

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 ...

Online

TIMES Module 32: Number and Algebra: fractions and the index laws in algebra - teacher guide

This is a 24-page guide for teachers. This module extends the use of pronumerals to include algebraic fractions. It includes substitution, adding like terms, the use of brackets and multiplying terms, the use of algebra to describe number patterns and extending the use of the index laws. Algebraic notation is discussed.

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 ...

Interactive

Terms

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

Video

Catalyst: Nautical Robots

How might you find out how much and where the Earth's oceans are warming? Watch the report by Ruben Meerman and discover how more than 3000 'nautical robots', known as argo floats, have been placed in the oceans to collect data on variations in temperature, pressure and salinity.

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 ...

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 ...

Video

How does income tax work?

Gen Fricker makes income tax interesting! Learn about income tax - what it is, how it works and when you have to pay it. Easy-peasy! Then test yourself with ASIC Moneysmart's "Things to think about" classroom exercises.

Video

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.

Video

My Five Cents: What is opportunity cost?

What is the true cost of buying something? Gen Fricker explains that it's more than just money. Learn about opportunity cost - what it is, why it's a helpful tool and when to use it. Simple! Then test yourself with ASIC MoneySmart's "Things to think about" classroom exercises.  

Video

Modelling climate changes

There is a saying: 'climate is what you expect and weather is what you get'. |Understanding climate change is very difficult for most people, especially when the weather we experience is different from the information we are given by scientists about the climate changing. The difference is that weather reflects short-term ...

Video

My Five Cents: Why borrowing can cost you more

Think credit cards are basically free money? Gen Fricker will make you think again. Learn how interest rates and fees affect the money you borrow, and why they may be more expensive in the long run. Oh dear! Then test yourself with ASIC MoneySmart's "Things to think about" classroom exercises.  

Interactive

Equivalent linear algebraic expressions

This is a six-page HTML resource about solving problems concerning equivalence of linear algebraic expressions. It contains one video and four questions, three of which are interactive. The resource discusses and explains equivalence of linear algebraic expressions to reinforce students' understanding.

Video

Using maths to understand the universe

When completed, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project will be the largest and most capable radio telescope available to scientists. Radio telescopes like the SKA detect radio waves produced by events and objects in the furthest reaches of space, translating these waves into data and imagery that allow scientists to study ...

Video

BTN: Calculating area using locust plagues

How many locusts in a plague? Find out just how big the threat of locusts can be and how farmers try to prevent the plagues from getting out of control. This clip provides context for a combination of area, area units and rate problems.

Video

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.

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

Big data, better hospitals

Overcrowding in hospitals is one of the biggest challenges facing our healthcare system . In order to reduce hospital waiting times, the Patient Admission Prediction Tool (PAPT) uses historical data to predict how many patients, and with what kinds of injuries, are expected to arrive at the emergency department each day ...

Video

My Five Cents: Why investing can be risky

Planning to get rich quick by investing one day? Before you jump in, let Gen Fricker explain some of the risks involved with different types of investments. Then test yourself with ASIC MoneySmart's "Things to think about" classroom exercises.  

Video

BTN: What is the GST?

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax placed on things people buy with money or things people do for money. Can you name some goods and services that have GST? What about some goods and services that don't have GST? Find out when and why the GST was first introduced.

Online

TIMES Module 21: Number and Algebra: rates and ratios - teacher guide

This is a 17-page guide for teachers. This module introduces the idea of ratios and rates. Ratios are used to compare two quantities. The emphasis is usually on comparing parts of the whole. Rates are a measure of how one quantity changes for every unit of another quantity. It relates the ideas of ratios, gradient and fractions.

Online

TIMES Module 13: Statistics and Probability: chance, year 8 - teacher guide

This is a 15-page guide for teachers. It continues the development of probability. A careful consideration of outcomes and equally likely outcomes is undertaken. In year 8, students see that these are a special case of finding probabilities of events by summing probabilities of the disjoint (or mutually exclusive) outcomes ...

Online

TIMES Module 17: Number and Algebra: the unitary method - teacher guide

This is an 18-page guide for teachers. This module introduces the idea of ratios and rates.

Interactive

Syllabus Bites: Revisiting proportion

This is the first in a series of Syllabus Bites related to direct and indirect proportion. Students revise the concept of ratio. They create short visual explanations showing how problems can be solved.

Interactive

Syllabus Bites: Graphing direct proportion

This is the third in a series of Syllabus Bites related to direct and indirect proportion. Students draw graphs to represent relationships between variables in direct proportion. They associate the gradient of the graph with the constant of proportionality. They investigate practical contexts that give rise to direct proportion.

Interactive

Syllabus bites: Introducing Venn diagrams

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

Interactive

Syllabus bites: The language of Venn diagrams

Interactive activities supporting students learning to describe regions of a Venn diagram.

Online

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.

Online

Plotting linear relationships and examples of linear relations

This is a website designed for both teachers and students, which addresses content on plotting linear relationships from the Australian Curriculum for year 8 students. It contains material on plotting points on the Cartesian plane, working with tables of values, and looking at the gradient and the equation of a line. There ...

Video

Catalyst: Graham's number

If you were asked what the biggest number you can think of is, what would you say? Infinity? Well, what about the biggest finite number you can think of? Mathematician Ron Graham came across such a gigantic number in his research that, to capture its massive size, he and his colleagues needed to come up with new methods ...

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: Direct proportion

This is the second in a series of Syllabus Bites related to direct and indirect proportion. Interactive applets and dynamic geometry software allow students to explore quantities in direct proportion. Students draw conclusions about relationships between the variables and consolidate their understanding by playing a simple game.

Interactive

Renovate, Calculate!

A student resource that explores the use of mathematics in the trades. Highly interactive investigations into ratio, areas of special quadrilaterals and right-angled trigonometry.

Online

TIMES Module 20: Number and Algebra: percentages - teacher guide

This is a 15-page guide for teachers. This module introduces percentages and their many uses in science, commerce and measurement.

Interactive

Brackets

A short, animated tutorial about expanding brackets, followed by an interactive quiz.

Interactive

The Mathematical Toolkit

A 2D Shapes tool that can be used to create geometric objects such as quadrilaterals, circles, triangles, lines, arcs, rays, segments and vectors on a coordinate grid. Plot and label the vertices to reveal the internal angles, side lengths, area and perimeter, then manipulate the shapes on a grid to transform their shape ...

Video

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.

Interactive

Arithmetic four

This is an interactive game for two students in which they solve arithmetic problems, similar to 'Connect four'. The players can choose to work with whole number and integer addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The length of time each player will have and the level of difficulty of the problems can also be ...

Interactive

Syllabus bites: More Venn diagrams

An interactive exploration of Venn diagrams with three attributes.

Interactive

Simultaneous Equations: animation

A short animated introduction to simultaneous equations and a demonstration of the elimination method of solution, followed by an interactive quiz.

Interactive

Syllabus bites: Venn diagrams and Two-way tables

An interactive exploration of the relationship between Venn diagrams and Two-way tables.

Interactive

MoneySmart: MilbaDjunga - how can I start my own business?

The MilbaDjunga secondary unit 'How can I start my own business?' is an interactive online unit developed to support teachers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to teach consumer and financial literacy. It leads students through a step-by-step process to start a small business and is accompanied by teacher ...

Online

TIMES Module 10: Number and Algebra: division of whole numbers - teacher guide

This is a 26-page guide for teachers. This module contains a description of suitable models for division, a discussion of the types of problems that require division for their solution, and mental and written strategies for division.

Online

TIMES Module 14: Number and Algebra: fractions - teacher guide

This is a 16-page guide for teachers that provides an introduction to fractions. It covers ordering, the four basic arithmetic operations, cancelling, writing in simplest form, the use of the area model for multiplication and the use of the number line for ordering, adding and subtracting. A history of the development of ...

Online

TIMES Module 18: Number and Algebra: decimals and percentages - teacher guide

This is a 21-page guide for teachers containing an introduction to decimals and percentages. It shows how place value is extended to describe positive numbers less than one. It also explores how to represent decimals on the number line, compare decimals, undertake the four basic arithmetic operations with decimals and change ...

Online

TIMES Module 9: Number and Algebra: multiplication of whole numbers - teacher guide

This is a 23-page guide for teachers. This module contains a description of suitable models for multiplication, a discussion of the types of problems that require multiplication for their solution, and mental and written strategies for multiplication. The use of the commutative, associative and distributive laws is described. ...

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.

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 ...

Online

Secondary mathematics: using real data

These seven learning activities, which focus on the use of 'real data' 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 the three content strands ...

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 ...

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 ...

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: 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 ...

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 ...

Online

Trade and Investment at a Glance

Using an illustrated report from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this Teacher guide provides ten learning sequences that engage students in the analysis and interpretation of data about Australian imports and exports. Students: identify Australia's major exports and imports; investigate international trade ...

Online

Australia's Trade through Time

Using an interactive timeline created by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this Teacher guide provides 12 series of learning experiences that engage students in the analysis and interpretation of data about Australian trade from 1900 to the present day. Students study videos, tables, images and texts in order ...

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 ...

Text

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

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 ...

Text

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 ...

Text

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 ...

Text

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 ...

Online

reSolve: Fibonacci Miles

This lesson introduces students to a trick for quick conversion between miles and kilometres using the Fibonacci sequence. Students are challenged to explain why the trick works. They investigate using their knowledge of ratio and discover that the miles/kilometres conversion rate is close to the golden ratio. The lesson ...