Algebra Manipulating Variables - Intro

In this math unit, students progress through a sequence of topics that build foundational to advanced skills in algebra. The unit starts with basic skills such as expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions when multiplying a variable by a bracketed term, followed by solving linear equations with increasing complexity—from three to four terms. It then advances to manipulating algebraic fractions, where students solve and simplify equations that involve fractions with variables. The complexity in fraction manipulation progresses across orientations until students deal with comprehensive problems that require reducing fractions that involve variables to their simplest forms. Towards the end of the unit, the focus shifts to applying algebra in practical contexts using balance shapes. Students learn to analyze image-based problems and to use substitutions and subtraction to solve for the equations and answer visually represented through balance beams. This culminates in understanding complex ratios, substitutions, and algebraic manipulations through symbolic and visual interpretations, rounding out their algebraic skills with both numerical and real-world problem-solving abilities.