Module 1 Counting and understanding number and associated objectives
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Can I create an algebraic expression that describes a simple relationship?

Example review questions

  • Write a formula for the nth term of this sequence:
    3, 6, 9, 12, 15 ...
  • Joe is planting several rows of beans. He needs two beansticks for each metre that he plants plus one beanstick for the end of each row. Write an expression to describe this relationship. How many beansticks does he need for a row that is 10 metres long?
  • I multiply a number by 7 then add 3. Which expression describes the steps I have taken if n is the number I started with?
    3n + 3
    n + 7 + 3
    7n + 3

Teaching guidance

This teaching guidance document suggests some of the key vocabulary, models, images and practical equipment that children should experience and be able to use. It also includes some teaching tips to provide a few starting points for ways of supporting children with this area of mathematics.

PDF file Teaching guidance: Can I create an algebraic expression that describes a simple relationship? | 82KB new window

Consolidation and practice

These resources are to support children in guided or independent work. Roll over the highlighted resources for a description.

PDF file How to use function block ITP | 93KB new window

SWF file Function block ITP | 52KB new window

PDF file How to use line graph ITP | 142KB new window

SWF file Line graph ITP | 27KB new window

Excel file Converting measures spreadsheet | 49KB new window

PDF file Converting units of measure spreadsheet guidance|252KB new window

Excel file Converting units of measure spreadsheet | 53KB new window

PDF file Teaching activity: exploring relationship between °C and °F | 87KB new window

Visit the nrich website new window for further activities to support practice and application.

Function blocks

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This interactive teaching program (ITP) is an ICT-based tool to support the exploration of calculation and inverses. Function blocks ITP allows the child or teacher to display and explore the effect of up to three operations on a starting or finishing number. The keypad can be used to input decimal numbers, and two rows of function machines can be displayed to compare the effect of using different input values, order or type of operations.

Line graph

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This interactive teaching program (ITP) is an ICT-based tool to support the exploration of handling data. Line graph ITP allows the child or teacher to enter data into a table or select from existing data sets and then create a line graph to represent the data. Data and values on axes can be changed to explore the impact on the graph.

Opportunities to use and apply

Possible contexts include:

  • Word problems, e.g. for every £20 you spend at a supermarket you get a voucher for school equipment. How much do you need to spend to get 1 voucher; 2 vouchers; 7 vouchers; 100 vouchers; m vouchers?
  • Investigations, e.g. write an expression to describe the number of squares in the 1st; 2nd; 3rd; 5th; 10th; nth shape?
    Blue rectangular shape containing one small yellow square, and two yellow crosses of different sizes.
  • Using function machines, e.g. creating algebraic expressions to describe the relationship between input and output.
  • Conversion and line graphs, e.g. interpreting a temperature conversion chart to create an expression describing the relationship between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Confirming learning

Ask probing questions such as:

  • Two numbers x and y have a product of 32 and a sum of 12. Write two equations that are true for x and y. Find the values of x and y and explain how you did this.
  • Roast beef needs to be cooked for 30 minutes for each kg of weight plus an extra 20 minutes. Write this relationship as an algebraic expression. What cooking time is needed for a joint of beef that weighs 1 kg, 2 kg, 4 kg, 7 kg, n kg?
  • Describe how the pattern is growing and record this in a table. Use this to help you write an expression for the nth pattern in this sequence.
    Large rectangular blue grid with pattern of squares coloured in yellow.