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Auralith Learning

Year 7 · Maths · Algebraic notation · Lesson 1

Writing expressions

Write algebraic expressions from words using the rules of algebraic notation, including brackets, and describe expressions in words.

Whiteboard video lesson: Writing expressions

21-minute video lesson

Teaching, worked examples and 20 practice questions solved step by step.

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What your child will learn

  • Use letters to stand for numbers
  • Write expressions using + − × ÷
  • Use correct algebraic notation
  • Use brackets in expressions
  • Describe an expression in words

The method

  1. Write numbers before letters: 5n.
  2. Leave out ×. Write ÷ as a fraction.
  3. Careful with 'less than' / 'more than'.
  4. Use brackets when a whole expression is multiplied.

Key words: expression, variable, term, notation, brackets.

Worked examples

The first three practice questions from the lesson, with every step.

Question 1

Write an expression for: n add 9

  1. Step 1: Add: n + 9
  2. Step 2: Check: if n = 2, n + 9 = 11

Answer: n + 9

Question 2

Write an expression for: 8 times n

  1. Step 1: 8 × n = 8n
  2. Step 2: Check: if n = 2, 8n = 16

Answer: 8n

Question 3

Write an expression for: n take away 6

  1. Step 1: n − 6
  2. Step 2: Check: if n = 10, n − 6 = 4

Answer: n − 6