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simplifying

  • Simplifying Algebraic Expressions with Negatives by Eating Tacos and Burritos

    Simplifying Algebraic Expressions with Negatives by Eating Tacos and Burritos

    Here is a link to the Intro to Simplifying (no negatives). Link to the Google Slides used to present the simplifying. Link to a Youtube video showing how it works. Link to a Facebook Reel showing how it works.

  • Intro to Simplifying Algebraic Expressions with Tacos and Burritos

    Intro to Simplifying Algebraic Expressions with Tacos and Burritos

    Here is a Facebook Reel showing how the slides are presented. Here is a link to a YouTube video showing how the slides are presented. Here is a link to the Google Slides seen in the video. Make a copy in order to edit.

  • Simplify Expressions Scaffolded Handout

    Simplify Expressions Scaffolded Handout

    I have found simplying expressions to be one of the most challenging Algebra 1 topics. This post shows a scaffolded handout approach to simplifying. Scaffolding Like Terms I have attempted to provide a deeper understanding of “like terms” in this post. This handout may be a useful follow up or it may be the entry…

  • Dividing a Binomial

    Dividing a Binomial

    If you have taught algebra, you have likely experienced this error. We know many students will make this type of error and we can help many students avoid it by being proactive. Below are excerpts from a Google Jamboard that can be used to unpack the underlying concept of the division or simplifying shown above.…

  • Dividing a Binomial

    Dividing a Binomial

    If you have taught algebra, you have likely experienced this error. We know many students will make this type of error and we can help many students avoid it by being proactive. Below are excerpts from a Google Jamboard that can be used to unpack the underlying concept of the division or simplifying shown above.…

  • Simplifying Expressions (Combine Like Terms)

    Simplifying Expressions (Combine Like Terms)

    Simplifying expressions (see photo below) is one of the most challenging algebra tasks for many students receiving special education services. A major problem is that it is typically presented as symbol manipulation…addressed in very symbolic form. My approach is to make math relevant and more concrete. Below is a scaffolded handout I use to help…

  • Combining Like Tacos (scaffolded handout)

    Here is a snippet of a scaffolded handout I use to teach students how to combine like terms. The tacos bring in prior knowledge and makes the concept more concrete. The scaffolding guides the students as to where and what to write. The full handouts are available by following the links below. I’ve included my…