Simplifying Expressions Made Simple

Celine O'Dowd

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Simplifying Expressions Lesson Plan

Students will learn to simplify mathematical expressions by breaking them down into simpler parts, preparing them for future algebraic concepts.

Simplifying expressions builds essential problem-solving skills and strengthens the foundation for understanding equations and algebra in later grades.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Step-by-step guided practice with examples and worksheets.

Materials

Simplification Slides for 5th Grade, and Practice Worksheet on Simplifying Expressions

Prep

Pre-Classroom Setup

5 minutes

Review the Simplification Slides for 5th Grade to become familiar with the content.
Check the Practice Worksheet on Simplifying Expressions for clarity and appropriateness.
Ensure all materials are ready and displayed on available digital equipment.
Plan to reference the Simplifying Expressions Lesson Plan as a guide during the lesson.

Step 1

Introduction and Objective Setting

5 minutes

Briefly introduce what simplifying expressions means using simple language.
Connect the lesson to everyday problem-solving and future math skills.
Use the slides from Simplification Slides for 5th Grade for visual support.

Step 2

Modeling and Guided Practice

15 minutes

Demonstrate step-by-step how to simplify an expression using examples on the slides.
Ask students guided questions to stimulate their thinking.
Work through a few examples together, referring to the Simplifying Expressions Lesson Plan for structure.

Step 3

Independent Practice and Wrap-Up

10 minutes

Hand out the Practice Worksheet on Simplifying Expressions.
Allow students to attempt simplifying expressions on their own, providing help as needed.
Conclude with a brief review of key concepts and answer any questions.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Welcome to Simplifying Expressions!

Today we'll learn how to make math expressions simpler and easier to work with.

Introduce the lesson and establish excitement for learning a new math skill. Emphasize that today they will learn to simplify expressions which is like cleaning up a messy room.

What is an Expression?

An expression is a combination of numbers, symbols, and operations (like + and -).

Explain what a mathematical expression is using simple examples the students can understand. Use visuals and everyday language.

Why Simplify?

Simplifying expressions helps us solve problems faster by organizing and reducing parts to simpler forms.

Discuss why it's helpful to simplify expressions. Connect the idea with solving problems more easily.

Simplifying Example 1

Example: 2 + 3 + 4 → Combine (2+3) first, then add 4 to get 9.

Work through the first example step-by-step. Ask guiding questions: What do we see in the expression? What can we combine?

Guided Practice Example

Example: 5 + 2 + 3 + 1 → First, add 5+2 = 7; then 3+1 = 4; finally, add 7+4 = 11.

Guide the students through a more detailed example with multiple components. Encourage participation.

Now It's Your Turn!

Use your worksheet to practice simplifying expressions. Remember the steps: Identify, combine, and simplify!

Wrap up the slide deck by summarizing the key points and instructions for independent practice.

Worksheet

Practice Worksheet on Simplifying Expressions

In this worksheet, you will practice simplifying simple mathematical expressions. Read each problem carefully, and combine the numbers step-by-step to find the final answer.

Problem 1

Simplify the expression:

3 + 4 + 5

Write your steps and answer below:

Problem 2

Simplify the expression:

2 + 7 + 6

First, add any two numbers, and then add the remaining number. Write your work below:

Problem 3

Simplify the expression:

5 + 1 + 8 + 2

Break it into two parts (for example: add the first two numbers and then the last two). Write your work below:

Problem 4

Simplify the expression:

4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 5

Decide which numbers to combine first to make the addition easier. Write your work below:

Problem 5

Simplify the expression:

10 + 5 + 3 + 7

Follow the steps you learned during the lesson to simplify this expression. Write your work and final answer below:

Great job working through these problems! Remember, simplifying expressions is all about combining numbers step-by-step to make a messy expression simpler.