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Class 7

Chapter 4: Expressions using Letter-Numbers

A letter like x or n can stand for an unknown number. We can write expressions with it: 3n means '3 times n'. Like terms — terms with the same letter — can be combined.

Learning outcomes

  • Use variables to represent unknowns
  • Form and simplify simple algebraic expressions

Activities

  • Variable-as-bag concrete tasks

Worked examples

Read through these first, then try the practice below.

  1. Example 1 — Write the expression

    I think of a number n. I add 5 to it. Write the expression.

    Solution: n + 5.

  2. Example 2 — Combine like terms

    Simplify 3a + 2a + 4.

    Solution: 3a + 2a = 5a, so the expression is 5a + 4.

Self-do practice

Question 1 of 3 · Score 0/0

Simplify 4x + 3x. (write like 5x)

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