Download Course 2 · Chapter 5 Expressions

Family Letter and Extra Credit Opportunity
Dear Parent or Guardian:
We recently began Chapter 5: Expressions. In this chapter, your student will learn how to
simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions and describe and extend sequences.
Included in this letter are key vocabulary words and activities you can do with your
student. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me at
[email protected].
Sincerely,
Ms. Rifkowitz
Vocabulary
algebra A branch of mathematics that involves expressions with variables.
algebraic expression A combination of variables, numbers, expressions, and at least
one operation.
arithmetic sequence A sequence in which the difference between any two
consecutive terms is the same.
coefficient The numerical factor of a term that contains a variable.
equivalent expressions Expressions that have the same value.
factor To write a number as a product of its factors.
sequence An ordered list of numbers, such as 0, 1, 2, 3 or 2, 4, 6, 8.
term Each number in a sequence.
variable A symbol, usually a letter, used to represent a number in mathematical
expressions or sentences.
Course 2 · Chapter 5 Expressions
Extra Credit: At-Home Activities
Hands-On Activity
Materials: centimeter cubes
• Step 1 Use centimeter cubes to form a
rectangular figure that is made up of one layer of
cubes. Record the number of cubes that you
used.
• Step 2 Make another figure by adding a second
layer of cubes to the first figure. (Both layers
should have the same number of cubes.) Record
the total number of cubes.
• Step 3 Repeat Step 2 two more times so that
you have made a total of four figures.
• Step 4 Write the pattern of numbers that
describes the number of cubes in the figures.
• Step 5 Without using centimeter cubes,
write the next two numbers in the pattern.
Real-World Activity
• Look at a store advertisement.
• Find the prices of four items.
• Use the prices to write algebraic expressions
to represent the cost of different numbers of
the items. For example, if a notebook costs
$2.50, then n notebooks cost 2.5n.
NOTEBOOK
$2.50
• Write a problem about shopping at the store
that can be solved by writing and evaluating
an algebraic expression.
Course 2 • Chapter 5 Expressions