6.EE.2 - About the Math, Learning Targets, and Increasing Rigor

Grade 5AGL Expressions and Equations

6.EE.2

Full Standard

Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers.

  1. Write expressions that record operations with numbers and with letters standing for numbers. For example, express the calculation “Subtract y from 5” as 5 – y.
  2. Identify parts of an expression using mathematical terms (sum, term, product, factor, quotient, coefficient); view one or more parts of an expression as a single entity. For example, describe the expression 2 (8 + 7) as a product of two factors; view (8 + 7) as both a single entity and a sum of two terms.
  3. Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole- number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations). For example, use the formulas V = s3  and SA = 6 s2  to find the volume and surface area of a cube with sides of length s = 1/2.

 

Learning Targets (I can)

  • Write expressions with unknowns.
  • Identify mathematical terms and use them to write or interpret expressions.
  • Evaluate expressions with unknowns using the order of operations.
  • Recognize and use expressions as common real-world formulas (i.e. volume of a cube, V = s3).

 

About the Math 

  • Write expressions with unknowns.
  • Identify mathematical terms and use them to write or interpret expressions.

Students write expressions from verbal descriptions using letters and numbers, understanding order is important in writing subtraction and division problems. Students understand that the expression “5 times any number, n” could be represented with 5n and that a number and letter written together means to multiply. All rational numbers may be used in writing expressions when operations are not expected. Students use appropriate mathematical language to write verbal expressions from algebraic expressions. It is important for students to read algebraic expressions in a manner that reinforces that the variable represents a number.

Students can describe expressions such as 3 (2 + 6) as the product of two factors: 3 and (2 + 6). The quantity (2 + 6) is viewed as one factor consisting of two terms.

Terms are the parts of a sum. When the term is an explicit number, it is called a constant. When the term is a product of a number and a variable, the number is called the coefficient of the variable.

Students should identify the parts of an algebraic expression including variables, coefficients, constants, and the names of operations (sum, difference, product, and quotient). Variables are letters that represent numbers. There are various possibilities for the number they can represent.

  • Evaluate expressions with unknowns using the order of operations.

 Expressions can be evaluated by using a given value for the unknown in an expression. Students should be able to articulate how a give expression can have different values based on the value being substituted for the unknown.

  • Recognize and use expressions as common real-world formulas (i.e. volume of a cube, V = s3).

Formulas are examples of real-world expressions and equations. When introducing this standard (and/or learning target), we can connect to known formulas such as the area of a rectangle. It is acceptable to introduce other common formulas at this point. There are opportunities throughout the year to connect to and reinforce this standard/learning target (e.g. the volume of various quadrilaterals). 

 Essential vocabulary for this standard includes: numerical expressions, algebraic expressions, evaluate, sum, term, product, factor, quantity, quotient, like terms, equivalent expressions, and variables. 

 

Progression of Standard within Grade 6 (5 AGL)

This progression informs how to develop the standard within the grade level. This progression is provided by HCPSS Elementary Mathematics.

Progression Throughout Year
Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4
  • Write expressions with unknowns.
  • Identify mathematical terms and use them to write or interpret expressions.
  • Evaluate expressions with unknowns using the order of operations.
  • Recognize and use expressions as common real-world formulas (i.e. volume of a cube, V = s3).

 

 

 

Progression of this Standard Across Grades

This progression is informed by the Achieve the Core Coherence Map Links to an external site.. Information is not the complete standard.

Progression Across Grades
Grade 5 Grade 7
  • Write simple expressions (5.OA.2)
  • Graph two patterns/rules on coordinate plane (5.OA.3)
  • Apply properties of operations to linear expressions (7.EE.1)

 

 

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