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Math - Algebra Unit Organizer
6th Grade Core Knowledge - Huey/Crisafulli/Jordan
Summary
Students will understand that variables are symbols that stand for unknown numbers in expressions and
equations. Students will also recognize variables and solve basic equations using variables, write and solve
equations for word problems, find the value of an expression given the replacement values for the variables.
The Big Idea
In algebra, variables are used to stand for unknown numbers, and equations are used to solve problems.
Colorado State Standards
6.EE 6. Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving a real-world or
mathematical problem; understand that a variable can represent an unknown number, or, depending
on the purpose at hand, any number in a specified set.
6.EE 2. Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers.
6.EE 7. Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form x + p = q
and px = q for cases in which p, q and x are all nonnegative rational numbers.
6.EE 2 Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers.
a. 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.
c. 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 A = 6 s2 to find the volume and surface area of a cube with sides of
length s = 1/2.
6.EE 2. Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers.
c. 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 A = 6 s2 to find the volume and surface area of a cube with sides of
length s = 1/2.
6.EE 3. Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions. For example, apply the
distributive property to the expression 3 (2 + x) to produce the equivalent expression 6 + 3x; apply the
distributive property to the expression 24x + 18y to produce the equivalent expression 6 (4x + 3y);
apply properties of operations to y + y + y to produce the equivalent expression 3y.
Common Core Standards
L.6.6 - Students will acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words
and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or
expression.
SL.6.1 Students will engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and
teacher- led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing
their own clearly.
Core Knowledge Unit
VII Pre-Algebra
 Recognize uses of variables and solve linear equations in one variable.
 Solve word problems by assigning variables to unknown quantities, writing appropriate equations, and
solving them.
 Find the value for an expression, given replacement values for the variables; for example, what is 7/x – y
when x is 2 and y is 10?
 Simplify expressions with variables by combining like terms.
 Understand the use of the distributive property in variable expressions such as 2x(2y + 3).
Core Knowledge Language Arts
Previous Unit: Decimals Review
Prior Knowledge
Kindergarten- Grade 5
Students should already be familiar with writing and solving addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division equations to solve one and multi-step word problems, for example 5 + ____ = 7.
Another example: ______ x 9 = 63.
Students should already be able to use letters to stand for any number as in working with a formula.
For example: A = L x W.
Students should be able to find the value of an expression given the replacement values for the
variables. For example: 7 – c; if c = 3.5.
Next Unit: Solid Figures
What Students will Learn in Future Grades
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Students will find the value for an expression, given replacement values for the variables. For examples
7/x-y; when x is 2 and y is 10.
Students will simplify expressions with variables by combining like terms.
Students will understand the use of the distributive property in variable expressions. For example,
2x (2y +3).
Cross Curricular Links
Science
I.
Scientific Method
Additional Resources
For Teachers:
 Pre Algebra 5th Edition by Bittinger, Ellenbogen and Johnson, 2007.
 New Elementary Mathematics Syllabus D, by Sin Kwai Meng and Dr Wong Khoon Yoong,
2006.