Simplifying expressions

Simplifying expressions

Pencil and paper
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This task is about simplifying algebraic expressions.
Circle the correct answer. If you circle (E), write down what the correct answer should be.
 
 
a)

 

 The expression is equal to 

(A)        (B) 2a       (C) 9a       (D) 18a      (E) None of these, = __________

 
 
b)

 

 The expression  is equal to

(A)        (B) 4a       (C) 8a       (D) 12a       (E) None of these,  = __________

 
 
c)

 

 The expression is equal to

(A)         (B)        (C) 6a2     (D) 6           (E) None of these, = __________

 
 
d)

 

 The expression is equal to

(A)         (B) 6        (C) 6a       (D) 6a3       (E) None of these, = __________

 
 
e)

 

 The expression is equal to

(A) 0         (B) 1         (C) 2a       (D) a2         (E) None of these, = __________

 
 
f)

 

 The expression  is equal to

(A) 0         (B) 1         (C) a         (D) 12a       (E) None of these,  = __________

 
 
g)

 

 The expression is equal to

(A)       (B)       (C )        (D) 3a        (E) None of these, = __________
Task administration: 
This task is completed with pencil and paper only.
 
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Maths, Number and Algebra, Equations and expressions
Keywords: 
algebraic expressions, simplify
Description of task: 
Students select the correct simplification of algebraic expressions.
Answers/responses: 
   
Y10 (10/1999)
a)
B
 easy
b) E and 3a moderate
c) D moderate
d) C moderate
e) B moderate
f) C moderate
g) B difficult
Diagnostic and formative information: 
   Common error Likely reason
e) Picks (E) and writes a as answer. Does not see that = 1
f) Picks (E) and writes 1a as answer. Does not see that 1a = a