Step 6 Objective
Simplify or transform linear expressions by collecting like terms; multiply a single term over a bracket.
- Examples of what pupils should
know and be able to do - Probing questions
- What if pupils find
this a barrier?
Probing questions
Can you write an expression that would simplify to, e.g.
6m − 3n, or 8 (3x + 6)?
Are there others?
Can you give me an expression that is equivalent to, e.g.
4p + 3q − 2?
Are there others?
What do you look for when you have an expression to simplify? What are the important stages?
What hints and tips would you give to someone about simplifying expressions?
Removing a bracket from an expression:
Give pupils examples of multiplying out a bracket that includes errors. Ask them to identify and talk through the errors and how they should be corrected, e.g.
4(b + 2) = 4b + 2
3(p − 4) = 3p − 7
−2(5 − b) = −10 − 2b
12 − (n − 3) = 9 − n
Similarly for simplifying.