CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A
The standard
Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
What this standard means
Students need to rewrite expressions without changing their value. They should use the distributive property, combine like terms, and understand that signs stay with terms. They also need to see that different-looking expressions can be equal for every value of the variable.
Mastery looks like a student explaining why 3(x + 4) and 3x + 12 match, or why 5x + 2x + 1 becomes 7x + 1. Common sticking points are dropping negative signs, multiplying only the first term in parentheses, and combining unlike terms like 4x + 4.
Ways to teach it
- Hands-on activity: Give students algebra tiles to model 2(x + 3), then have them build and record an equivalent expanded expression.
- Discussion or writing prompt: Ask, “How can two expressions look different but always have the same value?” Use 4(x + 2) and 4x + 8.
- Quick assessment: Put three expression pairs on the board and have students mark equivalent or not, then justify one choice in writing.
- Real-world connection: Use a phone plan with a monthly fee and cost per gigabyte, then write two equivalent expressions for the total cost.
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Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-SSE.B.3
Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression.
- CCSS.Math.Content.8.EE.A.1
Know and apply the properties of integer exponents to generate equivalent numerical expressions.
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-SSE.B
Write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.A.3
Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.