Money Math · Lesson Plan
Writing Expressions with Money Amounts
An algebra-readiness money-math lesson. Students review what a mathematical expression is (and how it differs from an equation), then learn to write expressions that describe real money situations using variables, numbers, and operations.
For Teachers
Lesson at a glance
- Topic
- Money Math
- Grade Level
- Grades 6–9
- Resource Type
- Lesson + Worksheet
- Estimated Time
- 30–45 minutes
- Format
- Reading + practice worksheet
- Materials
- Printable lesson, worksheet, calculators
What Students Learn
Learning objectives
- Define a mathematical expression
- Explain how an expression differs from an equation
- Identify variables, numbers, and operations in an expression
- Write an expression to describe a money situation
- Evaluate an expression for a given value
Materials
What you’ll need
- Printed copies of the lesson and worksheet (one per student)
- Whiteboard or projector for worked examples
- Pencils
Key Terms
Vocabulary
- Expression
- A math phrase with numbers, operations, and sometimes variables, but no equals sign.
- Equation
- A math statement with an equals sign that can be solved.
- Variable
- A letter that stands for an unknown number.
- Operation
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
- Evaluate
- Find the value of an expression for a given variable.
- Term
- A single number or variable part of an expression.
For Teachers
Lesson plan
Estimated time: one 30–45 minute class period.
Lesson sequence
- Introduction (5 min). Contrast an expression (e.g., 5x + 6) with an equation. Note there’s no equals sign.
- Read the method (10 min). Students read how to turn a money situation into an expression.
- Worked example (10 min). Write an expression for a money scenario, then evaluate it for a value.
- Worksheet (12 min). Students practice; the answer key is included for teacher use.
Assessment
Assess the worked example and worksheet practice.
Discussion
Discussion questions
- What is the difference between an expression and an equation?
- What do variables, numbers, and operations each contribute to an expression?
- How would you write an expression for buying several items at one price?
- What does it mean to evaluate an expression?
- Why are expressions useful for describing money situations?
Printable Lesson & Worksheet
Writing Expressions with Money — Lesson & Worksheet
Printable lesson plus practice problems, with an answer key for teacher use.
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