Invisible One Hunt Worksheet The Invisible One Hunt
Algebraic Expressions & Like Terms
Name:
Date:
Mission Briefing
In algebra, some variables are hiding their coefficient . Whenever you see a variable standing alone (like x or n), it actually has an "Invisible One" in front of it!
x
Standalone
1x
Visible One!
Your Mission: Use a colored pencil to draw a "1" in front of every stand-alone variable. Then, simplify the expression by collecting like terms.
Level 1: Addition Alley
x + 4x =
7y + y =
m + m + m =
12k + k =
Level 2: Subtraction Station
5b - b =
8n - 2n - n =
Level 3: Mixed Neighborhood
x + 5 + 3x =
9p - p + 11 =
h + 7 + h - 2 =
The Big Question
You are explaining algebra to a friend. They think that x + x should just be x because there are no numbers there. How would you convince them they are wrong?
Variable Visions Slides 6th Grade Math
Variable Visions
Uncovering the secrets of coefficients and the "Invisible One"
x 3y 15n 1x
Fruit Salad Algebra
Warm-up
Write a math sentence for this kitchen scene:
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Think About It:
Can we say we have "5 bapples"? Why or why not?
How would you write this using letters (variables)?
The Strategy
Video Study
Embedded media
PAUSE AT 0:29
Watch: 0:00 - 1:10
!
Sticky Note Rule
"Recall that x is the same as 1x."
Discussion Questions
Why don't we usually write the "1"?
If I say "apple", how many do I have?
Is x the same as 0x?
Key Vocabulary
Like Terms
Terms that share the exact same variable part.
3x & 7x
Friends
3x & 3y
Strangers
Coefficient
The number part multiplied by a variable.
8 y Coefficient
1
The Invisible One Hunt
Grab your colored pencil!
Find the variables hiding their coefficients.
Draw a 1 in front of them.
Simplify the expression by collecting like terms.
20 Minutes Remaining
Closure
Turn to a partner and explain:
The Big Debate
x + x = 2x
Why isn't it just x?
Think about the "Invisible One" we found today!
Invisible One Hunt Answer Key Teacher Resource
Answer Key
Invisible One Hunt Worksheet
Variable Visions
Unit 4: Algebraic Expressions
Note: Students should have drawn a "1" in front of variables like x, y, m, k, b, n, p, and h before simplifying.
Level 1: Addition Alley
x + 4x
5x
(1x + 4x)
7y + y
8y
(7y + 1y)
m + m + m
3m
(1m + 1m + 1m)
12k + k
13k
(12k + 1k)
Level 2: Subtraction Station
5b - b
4b
(5b - 1b)
8n - 2n - n
5n
(8n - 2n - 1n = 6n - 1n)
Level 3: Mixed Neighborhood
x + 5 + 3x
4x + 5
9p - p + 11
8p + 11
h + 7 + h - 2
2h + 5
The Big Question: Sample Response
"I would tell them that when we see 'x', we are looking at one 'x'. If you have 'x + x', you have one 'x' plus another 'x', which makes two of them, or 2x. Just like if you have an apple and add an apple, you have 2 apples, not just 1 apple."
Variable Visions Teacher Guide Variable Visions
Teacher Facilitation Guide
6th Grade Math
35 Minute Lesson
Materials List
Variable Visions Slide Deck
Invisible One Hunt Worksheets
Colored Pencils (1 per student)
Projector & Internet (for video)
Key Objective
Students will identify "like terms" and coefficients, specifically mastering the concept that \(x = 1x\) to prevent common simplification errors.
5 Min
Warm-up: Fruit Salad
Show Slide 2. Students write a math sentence for 3 apples and 2 bananas.
Guiding Question "Why can't we say we have '5 bapples'? If I just write 'a', how many apples do I have?"
5 Min
Video & Discussion
Play the first minute of "Simplifying Algebraic Expressions (2)".
Key Pause: 0:29 Discuss the "Sticky Note Rule". Connect this back to the "apple" vs "1 apple" discussion.
20 Min
Activity: Invisible One Hunt
Distribute worksheets and colored pencils.
Monitoring Tip Watch for students who try to combine unlike terms (e.g., \(4x + 5 = 9x\)). Remind them of the apples and bananas!
Scaffolding Encourage students to underline like terms in different colors before they start doing the math.
5 Min
Closure: Partner Talk
Use the reflection section on the worksheet or Slide 6.
Success Criteria Students can articulate that \(x\) represents one whole unit of that variable, making \(x + x = 2x\) through the addition of implied coefficients.
Differentiation
Support
Provide physical manipulatives (blocks or cards) to represent variables. Let them physically group the "x" blocks together.
Extension
Ask students to create their own "Mixed Neighborhood" expressions with 5+ terms for a partner to solve.
