Variables, Constants, Expressions and Equations

Hey all!

Today we reviewed the terms: Variable, Constant, Expression and Equation and then came up with examples of each as shown below.  Use the definitions on your worksheet along with these examples to help you understand the meaning of each word.  We will continue with writing expressions and equations on Monday!

-Miss K  :)

Funky Functions!

Today we began talking about functions and using them to solve various problems.  Before we tried to get answers though, we defined independent and dependent variables.  Take a look at the notes and examples from class (shown below) to help you!

Tonight's homework is to complete the function packet.  I'm posting the answers to help you review if you are confused about any of the problems.  Think about which variable depends on the other.  That dependent  variable is what we are trying to solve.  The independent variable is the one that is usually given to you, the one that you plug into the problem to help you solve the dependent variable.

Want to practice some more?  Try these games: Function Machine 1 and Function Machine 2!

Thanks for your hard work!  See you tomorrow when we start talking about combining like terms!!!

-Miss K  :)

More Expressions and Equations

Examples of Variables, Constants, Expressions and Equations:

Tonight's homework is to complete the Writing Expressions worksheet.  Good luck! 

-Miss K  :)

Expressions and Equations!

Today we were joined by Ms. Rao's classes as we learned about some algebra basics.

Constant:  A constant is a value that always remains the same value.  For example, 7 always means 7, there are always 60 minutes in an hour.

Variable:  A variable is a letter or symbol that represents an unknown value.  This value can change from problem to problem.

Operation:  An operation tells you what type of math you should be doing, addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.

Expression:  An expression is made of a constant, operation and variable.  For example, 7 + x is an expression.  An expression is like a formula and can be used to describe a situation like, I shared x bags of candy evenly among 3 friends.

Equation:  An equation includes an equal sign and answer after an expression.  For example, 8 - m = 3 is an equation.  Now, I know that most of you can quickly realize that m is equal to 5, but for right now, we AREN'T solving these equations, just writing them!  Make sure that the variable is part of the "problem" or expression part of the equation.

Words that indicate adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing:

Examples of expressions from class:

Equations from class:

Since writing equations might be the most confusing, take a look at these pages for additional help, Math Goodies or Math.com.

Tonight's homework is to complete the expressions and equations worksheet.

-Miss K  :)