Math Lab Activity

– Exploring Algebraic Expressions at Home

Objective:
The objective of this math lab activity is to introduce students to the basics of algebraic expressions, including variables, coefficients, and operations, by allowing them to explore and create their own expressions at home.

Materials Needed:

1. Pen or pencil
2. Notebook or loose-leaf paper
3. Calculator (optional)
4. Household objects (e.g., fruits, toys, books)

Instructions:

Understanding Variables and Constants

1.  A variable is a letter or symbol that represents an unknown quantity, while a constant is a known value.

2. Choose three different household objects and assign a variable to each one. For example:
– Let A represent the number of apples.
– Let B represent the number of books.
– Let C represent the number of toys.

3. Write down these variable assignments in their notebooks.

Creating Algebraic Expressions

4. Create algebraic expressions using the variables and constants they have assigned. For example:
– The total number of items could be expressed as: A + B + C.
– The cost of each apple is $1, and the cost of each book is $5. Create an expression for the total cost: 1A + 5B.
– You can also create expressions for different scenarios, like the total weight of the objects, the number of objects of a specific type, etc.

5. Write down at least three different algebraic expressions using the variables and constants you’ve chosen.

Evaluating Expressions

6. Substitute specific numbers for the variables and calculate the result.

7. Choose values for A, B, and C (e.g., A = 3, B = 2, C = 4) and calculate the value of the expressions you created in Part 2. For example, if A = 3, B = 2, and C = 4, the total cost expression (1A + 5B) would be evaluated as 1(3) + 5(2) = 3 + 10 = 13.

8. Record the results in your notebooks.

Exploring Operations

9. Create new expressions by combining the previous expressions using different operations. For example, you can create an expression for the total cost after a 10% discount.

10. Evaluate the new expressions using the values you assigned to the variables.

Conclusion:

Summarize what you have learned in this math lab activity about algebraic expressions, variables, constants, and operations in your notebooks.

Extension: 

Try to create more complex expressions or explore other scenarios using algebraic expressions.

This math lab activity will help in grasp the fundamental concepts of algebraic expressions and provide with a hands-on experience in applying these concepts to real-world situations using household objects.