Matching expressions

Matching expressions

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Overview
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Marking Student Responses
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Further Resources
This task is about algebraic expressions that describe practical situations.
Select a mathematical expression from below to describe each statement.
 

60 + x     60 – x     x – 60     60/x     x/60     60x

Question

a)  I have $60 to spend. I spend $x.  How much money do I have left?      
     The correct expression is .... (Choose one)

    • 60 + x

    • 60 – x

    • x – 60

    • 60/x

    • x/60

    • 60x

Question

b)  Each book costs $60, and I buy x books. How much have I spent?
     The correct expression is .... (Choose one)

    • 60 + x

    • 60 – x

    • x – 60

    • 60/x

    • x/60

    • 60x

Question

c)  I spend a total of $60 buying magazines. Each magazine costs $x.
     How many magazines did I buy?
     The correct expression is ...  (Choose one)

    • 60 + x

    • 60 – x

    • x – 60

    • 60/x

    • x/60

    • 60x

Question

d)  I spend $x on a shirt and still have $60 left. How much money did I have to start with?
     The correct expression is ...  (Choose one)

    • 60 + x

    • 60 – x

    • x – 60

    • 60/x

    • x/60

    • 60x

Task administration: 
This task is completed with pencil and paper and online (WITH automarking).
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Maths, Number and Algebra, Equations and expressions
Keywords: 
algebraic expressions, formulation
Description of task: 
Students select the correct algebraic expression describing practical situations.
Learning Progression Frameworks
This resource can provide evidence of learning associated with
Using symbols and expressions to think mathematically, sets 6-7
within the Mathematics Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Read more about the Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Answers/responses: 
   

Y10 (11/1999)

a)

60 – x

very easy

b)

60x

easy

c)

easy

d)

60 + x

easy
Diagnostic and formative information: 

  

Common error

Likely reason

d)

x – 60

Confuses addition and subtraction.