Section 3

Algebra and Beyond

3-1 Simplifying Numerical Expressions with Exponents (6.EE.1)

A symphony orchestra typically has a set number of instruments.

Problem: Simplify the expression below to find the number of instruments in a typical symphony orchestra. How does this number compare to the number of instruments in the band at your school? (44 2) 7 4

3-2

Simplifying Numerical Expressions with Exponents (6.EE.1)

Of Thomas Edisons many inventions, the phonograph is one of his best known. The first words he recorded were Mary had a little lamb. Although Edison had, without question, an inventive mind, he was not very original with his first recording.

Problem: To find the year this message was recorded, simplify this expression.
9(32 + 22 )2 + 89 22

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Math Starters

3-3

Simplifying Numerical Expressions with Exponents (6.EE.1)

Imagine if you had a penny. The next day you double it to two pennies. The third day you double the two pennies to four pennies and then continue doubling for a total of 15 days.

Problem: Simplify the expression to find out how much money in dollars you would have at
the end of 15 days. 1 102 + 6 101 + 3 100 + 8 1 1 +4 2 10 10

3-4

Words and Phrases as Mathematical Expressions G (6.EE.2)

Expressing words as mathematical symbols can be difficult but is necessary to solve equations.

Problem: Compile a list of words or phrases that may be expressed as mathematical symbols.
Include the symbol for each phrase. (One example is addition, +. Another is pi, .)

3-5

Writing Phrases as Algebraic Expressions

(6.EE.2)

An algebraic expression can be compared to a phrase. Translating a phrase into an algebraic expression is easier if you think about the meanings of the words.

Problem: Match each description with its algebraic expression. (Some expressions are not
used.) (1) 5 times a number (2) 5 more than a number (3) A number divided by 5 (4) 5 less than a number (A) n 5 (B) 5n (C) 5 n (D) 5 + n n (E) 5 5 (F) n

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103

3-6

Evaluating Expressions without Exponents

(6.EE.2)

In 1897 Sears, Roebuck and Company published its first catalogue, offering a variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, toys, and farm equipment.

Problem: If a = 3, b = 10, and c = 20, find the cost in cents of each item in 1897 by evaluating
the expression. You may be surprised at the prices of these items back then. Why were they so inexpensive compared to prices today? (1) One pair of steel blade ice skates: ac + 2 abc + 4ab b (3) A catchers mitt: 2(a + b) 2a (2) A baseball: (4) A deck of playing cards: a + b

3-7

Evaluating Expressions with Exponents

(6.EE.2)

The toy company Mattel produced the Barbie doll and soon afterward introduced Ken, Barbies boyfriend; Midge, her friend; and Skipper, Barbies younger sister. By 1980, Barbie was so popular that top fashion designers created clothes for her.

Problem: Evaluate the expression a2 b + cd, if a = 12, b = 13, c = 43, and d = 2, to find the year
the Barbie doll was first produced.