Mathematics - Junior Secondary 1 - Algebraic processes

Algebraic processes

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TERM: 2ND TERM

WEEK 7

Class: Junior Secondary School 1
Age: 12 years
Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods
Subject: Mathematics
Topic: Algebraic Processes
Focus: Use of Symbols in Open Sentences and Word Problems

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  1. Understand the meaning of algebraic symbols (e.g., x, y, a, b).
  2. Use symbols to form open sentences.
  3. Identify operations represented in algebraic expressions.
  4. Solve basic open sentences.
  5. Translate simple word problems into algebraic expressions.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES:

  • Guided discovery
  • Question and answer
  • Group discussion
  • Use of real-life examples
  • Drills and practice

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

  • Flashcards with algebraic symbols
  • Chart showing mathematical symbols and meanings
  • Board illustrations
  • Worksheets with open sentences and word problems
  • Counters or colored cubes

 

PERIOD 1 & 2: Introduction to Symbols and Open Sentences

PRESENTATION:

Step

Teacher’s Activity

Pupil’s Activity

Step 1 – Introduction

Introduces the idea of letters used in place of numbers.

Pupils listen and respond.

Step 2 – Explanation

Writes examples: a + 5 = __, x – 3 = 4.

Pupils try solving.

Step 3 – Demonstration

Shows open sentences and lets pupils suggest missing values.

Pupils suggest and solve.

Step 4 - Note Taking

Writes definitions and examples.

Pupils copy notes.

NOTE ON BOARD:

  • Symbol: A letter used to represent a number
  • Example:
    • x + 3 = 7 → x = 4
    • a – 2 = 5 → a = 7

EVALUATION (5 exercises):

  1. x + 4 = 9
  2. a – 2 = 8
  3. y × 2 = 10
  4. 15 ÷ b = 3
  5. x + 0 = 10

CLASSWORK (5 questions):

Fill in the missing values:

  1. m + 5 = 12
  2. z – 7 = 6
  3. 3 × n = 18
  4. 20 ÷ p = 4
  5. x – 0 = 15

ASSIGNMENT (5 tasks):

  1. Write 3 open sentences using symbols.
  2. Solve them.
  3. Replace symbols with numbers.
  4. Show two daily activities that can be written as open sentences.
  5. Illustrate using pictures or objects.

 

PERIOD 3 & 4: Word Problems with Symbols

PRESENTATION:

Step

Teacher’s Activity

Pupil’s Activity

Step 1 – Introduction

Recaps previous lesson; introduces real-life problems with unknowns.

Pupils listen and relate.

Step 2 – Explanation

Solves examples like: “A boy had x mangoes, he ate 3 and had 2 left. Find x.”

Pupils try solving.

Step 3 - Guided Practice

Gives more word problems; solves them step-by-step.

Pupils follow and solve.

Step 4 - Note Taking

Writes common keywords that indicate operations.

Pupils copy notes.

NOTE ON BOARD:

  • “Total,” “sum,” “increase” → Addition
  • “Difference,” “less,” “remain” → Subtraction
  • “Double,” “product” → Multiplication
  • “Share,” “divide” → Division

EVALUATION (5 questions):

  1. If a boy has x oranges and buys 5 more to make 12, find x.
  2. A number reduced by 3 is 10. What is the number?
  3. Multiply a number by 4 to get 20. Find the number.
  4. Divide a number by 5 to get 2. What is the number?
  5. x – 8 = 15. Find x.

CLASSWORK (5 tasks):

Write and solve:

  1. Tunde has x books. He bought 3 more to make 10.
  2. A basket has x eggs, 5 were removed, 7 are left.
  3. A number times 3 equals 18.
  4. If x ÷ 4 = 6, find x.
  5. Write a word problem for x + 5 = 10

ASSIGNMENT (5 tasks):

  1. Write 5 short word problems with missing numbers.
  2. Represent each with a symbol.
  3. Solve each open sentence.
  4. Write one open sentence from your environment (e.g., money, food, games).

Explain the operation used in each.