What You Will Practice
Algebra is the foundation for most college math and STEM courses. This lesson focuses on the essential basics students need before moving into functions, graphs, pre-calculus, and applied technical math.
Mini Lesson
1. Expressions vs. Equations
An expression does not have an equal sign. An equation has an equal sign.
Expression: 3x + 5
Equation: 3x + 5 = 20
2. Combining Like Terms
Like terms have the same variable part. You can combine 3x and -x, but you cannot combine x and 5.
Example: 3x + 5 - x = 2x + 5
3. Distributive Property
Multiply the outside number by every term inside the parentheses.
Example: 4(2 + x) = 8 + 4x
4. One-Step Equations
Use the inverse operation to isolate the variable.
Example: x + 9 = 15 → x = 6
5. Two-Step Equations
Undo addition/subtraction first, then undo multiplication/division.
Example: 3x - 4 = 8 → 3x = 12 → x = 4
6. Slope-Intercept Form
A line can be written as y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
Example: If m = 2 and b = -3, then y = 2x - 3.
Interactive Algebra Practice
Choose a topic and practice with instant feedback. For expression answers, type them in a simple format like 2x+5, 12+3x, or y=2x-3.
2x+5, x=6, y=-x+4.
Mastery Check
Before moving to Chapter 3, students should be able to do the following.
Expressions vs. Equations
I can tell whether a math statement is an expression or an equation.
Like Terms
I can simplify expressions by combining like terms.
Distribution
I can use the distributive property correctly.
Equations
I can solve one-step and two-step equations.
Lines
I can write a line in slope-intercept form when given m and b.