7.EE.1: Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.

Hands-on Activities

1. Shopping List Budgeting

Help your child create a shopping list for a small party. Assign prices with fractions (e.g., $2.75) and ask your child to add and subtract different items to stay within a budget, using addition and subtraction of linear expressions.

2. Recipe Adjustments

Adjust recipes by factoring and expanding ingredient quantities. For instance, if a recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of sugar and serves 4, ask how much sugar is needed for a party of 10 by expanding the expression.

3. DIY Project Calculations

Engage your child in a DIY project that requires measurements. Have them calculate material lengths combining different measurements (expressed with fractions), such as subtracting the length of a wood piece that is too long.

4. Garden Planning

Plan a garden layout using linear expressions to calculate the perimeter and area of garden beds. Use addition and subtraction of expressions to adjust the sizes.

5. Travel Time Estimation

Estimate travel times for family trips by creating expressions for each leg of the journey. For instance, use expressions to add travel times with stops and delays included.

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Visual Aids

Use visual aids like number lines or algebra tiles to help visualize the addition, subtraction, and factoring processes.

2. Simplify First

Encourage simplifying expressions before performing operations, which can make the process less daunting and easier to manage.

3. Use Real-Life Examples

Incorporate everyday scenarios where these operations are applicable, like calculating discounts or adjusting measurements, to make the concepts less abstract.

4. Practice Regularly

Regular practice through small, daily problems can help reinforce concepts and improve retention.

5-Minute Activities

Activity 1: Flashcard Drills

Create flashcards with different linear expressions and have quick sessions of adding or subtracting these.

Activity 2: Expression Matching Game

Write expressions on cards and have your child match equivalent expressions through factoring or expanding.

Activity 3: Online Quizzes

Utilize online resources for quick, interactive quizzes focused on adding, subtracting, factoring, and expanding expressions.

Activity 4: Expression Puzzles

Create puzzles where the child must arrange pieces to form correct expressions through operations.

Mid-Year Expectations

By the middle of 7th grade, your child should be able to:

• Students should be able to add and subtract linear expressions with rational coefficients.
• Students should understand the basic concepts of factoring simple linear expressions.

End-of-Year Expectations

By the end of 7th grade, your child should be able to:

• Students should confidently add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.
• Students should be able to apply these skills to solve real-world problems.

Mastery Signs

Your child has mastered this standard when they can:

• The child can independently solve complex problems involving linear expressions.
• The child can explain the processes of factoring and expanding expressions clearly.
• The child uses these skills effectively in unfamiliar contexts.

Questions to Ask:

Ask your child to solve these problems and explain their process:

• Add the expressions 2/3x + 5 and 1/4x - 2.
• Factor the expression 8y + 12.
• Subtract 5/6x - 3 from 3/4x + 2.
• Expand the expression 3(2x - 1/3).