Lesson plan

8. Use the distributive property to write equivalent expressions (FP)

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teaches Common Core State Standards 7.EE.A.1 http://corestandards.org/Math/Content/7/EE/A/1
teaches Common Core State Standards 7.EE.A.2 http://corestandards.org/Math/Content/7/EE/A/2
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Lesson objective: Fluently rewrite algebraic expressions using the distributive property.

This lesson helps to build procedural skill with the distributive property. Area/tape diagram models are used here because they help students understand why everything in the sum gets multiplied by the number outside the parentheses. This work develops students' understanding that properties of operations hold for any expression, even those with unknown values.

Students engage in Mathematical Practice 7 (look for and make use of structure) as they construct area models to help visualize different but equivalent forms of expressions.

Key vocabulary:

  • equivalent expressions
  • distributive property