6.7.B
The Standard
distinguish between expressions and equations verbally, numerically, and algebraically
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify whether a mathematical phrase names a quantity or makes a claim that two quantities are equal. They explain their choice using words, numbers, or variables.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly sort numerical and algebraic examples based on whether they make a statement of equality. They explain that one represents a quantity, while the other states that two quantities are equal.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may call any group of numbers and variables an equation. They may treat the equal sign as a signal to calculate rather than a claim that two quantities match. They may also try to solve an expression that has no equal sign.
How to Assess It
- Give students 4x + 7, 4x + 7 = 19, 15 - 3, and 15 - 3 = 12. Have them label each and explain how the equal sign changes its meaning.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs a card set of numerical and algebraic examples to sort into two labeled hoops, then justify each placement.
Ask students to write two sentences explaining why 3x + 5 and 3x + 5 = 20 serve different purposes.
Play a sorting relay where teams classify one card at a time and earn a point for a correct verbal explanation.
Show a grocery receipt total and a budget statement, then have students represent each situation with an expression or an equation.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- 6.7
The student applies mathematical process standards to develop concepts of expressions and equations
- 5.4
The student applies mathematical process standards to develop concepts of expressions and equations
- 6.4.A
compare two rules verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically in the form of y = ax or y = x + a in order to differentiate between additive and multipl...
- 6.7.C
determine if two expressions are equivalent using concrete models, pictorial models, and algebraic representations
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