Expression match: explain the structure

Grade 6 mathematics · 15 minutes · Expressions

Write and evaluate expressions while distinguishing operations and grouping.

Classroom activity

A club pays a $12 booking fee plus $4 for each participant.

1. Write an expression for the total cost for n participants. Label the meaning of each part.
2. Find the cost for 5 participants and for 8 participants.
3. Compare 12 + 4n with 4(12 + n). Are they equivalent? Use n = 5 to test the claim.
4. Write a different story that could be represented by 4(12 + n).

Exchange stories with a partner and ask them to identify the expression.

Check understanding

Write “three less than twice a number x” as an expression, then evaluate it for x = 7.

Teacher guide and answers

The club cost is 12 + 4n: $32 for 5 and $44 for 8. At n = 5, 4(12 + n) = 68, so the expressions differ. A suitable second story has four groups each costing 12 + n. The check is 2x − 3 = 11. Listen for subtraction order and clear grouping. Extend by expanding 4(12 + n).

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Grade 6 topic reference. Confirm your adopted standards; topic guidance does not certify alignment.