Algebra - Forming Equations - Worksheet

The 'Forming Equations' worksheet is a comprehensive resource designed to help Year 6 students grasp the fundamental concepts of algebra. It aligns with the National Curriculum objectives that include using simple formulae, generating linear number sequences, expressing missing number problems algebraically, and finding pairs of numbers that satisfy equations with two unknowns. The resources provided for this lesson include differentiated sheets for varying levels of ability, teaching slides for visual aid, and concrete resources such as cubes and counters to represent unknown and known values respectively.

Students will learn to distinguish between algebraic expressions and equations, understanding that expressions like 'x + 5' can have various values, whereas equations like 'x + 5 = 11.2' define x as a specific unknown value. Using cubes to represent the unknowns and counters for known numbers, children will be able to visualize and form one-step equations. The worksheet guides them through a series of word problems, encouraging them to write algebraic equations that model these scenarios. For instance, they'll learn to express the total cost of items with unknown prices as equations, such as '5 + n = 9' for the combined cost of a book and a magazine, and 'm + 9 = 14' for the price of watermelon and grapes per kilogram. Additionally, the worksheet offers reasoning and problem-solving tasks where students can apply their knowledge to find answers to real-world problems, such as determining the number of yo-yos and sweets Eva could have bought with a given amount of money.