Letters for numbers
Write and simplify expressions such as 3a + 2a.
Planned. This module is part of the plan and is not written yet.
Why it matters
Bus fares, phone credit and market prices all follow rules like 'the cost is 50 times the number of items'; a letter lets you write the rule once and use it for any number.
Draft outline · in review- For
- Level 6–7 · Primary 6 to JSS 1
- Inside
- 5 lessons and a test · about 60 minutes
- Topic
- Expressions · foundation, 1 of 4
Inside the module.
5 lessons in order, about 60 minutes in all, then a short test. Learners go at their own pace; the minutes are a guide, not a timetable.
Draft outline · in review
Lesson 1: What a letter stands for
Use a letter for a number you do not know yet, or one that can change.
Explain10 min, from minute 0
Lesson 2: Words to expressions
"Five more than n" becomes n + 5; "three lots of a" becomes 3a.
Worked example15 min, from minute 10
Lesson 3: Like terms
See why 3a and 2a can be added but 3a and 2b cannot.
Explain10 min, from minute 25
Lesson 4: Collecting like terms
Simplify expressions such as 3a + 2b + 4a − b.
Practice15 min, from minute 35
Lesson 5: Review
Mixed questions, with feedback on each.
Review10 min, from minute 50
End-of-module test
Write expressions from descriptions in words, and simplify expressions by collecting like terms.
Mastered at 85% or more. Retake it until you pass; nothing is lost, and each try gives feedback.
Already know it? A Challenge Test (planned) clears the whole module: 90% overall, no objective below 75%.
Last stageafter about 60 min
Practicalities
Draft outline · in reviewBuilt to run offline
Planned to run on the Lantern's own computer, with no internet needed.
Languages
Planned first in English; every module aims to reach all of the Lantern's languages.
Try a question.
One question from the module, as a learner would meet it. Have a go, then open the worked solution a step at a time.
Draft outline · in review
Simplify 4x + 3y − x + 5y.
Work it out on paper first, then show the answer and mark it yourself.
Particulars
Where it sits
Maths · Algebra · Expressions
What a learner can do after it
- Write an expression from words.
- Collect like terms to simplify an expression.
Needs first
Level
Level 6–7 · Primary 6 to JSS 1
Level mappings are approximate. A qualified teacher or lecturer in each country must check them before they appear in the app.
Difficulty for its level
1 of 4 · Foundation
Time
About 60 minutes
Alignments
None drafted yet.
Alignment in review until a qualified teacher or lecturer checks it. No exam body, university or vendor endorses us; learners still sit the real exam.
Challenge Test
Planned: a Challenge Test to prove you know it and skip it. Pass at 90% overall, with no objective below 75%.
University courses it previews
Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Physics
On these pathways
The route here.
Everything this module builds on, drawn as a route from its foundations. Solid lanes must be mastered first, or cleared by a Challenge Test; dashed lanes are suggestions that never lock anything.
- MA-ARI-OPS-01Adding and subtractingMaths · Primary 1 to Primary 3 (Level 1–3) · Planned
- MA-ARI-OPS-02Multiplication as equal groupsMaths · Primary 2 to Primary 3 (Level 2–3) · Sample lesson in the demo Needs Adding and subtracting (required).Try the sample lesson: Multiplication as equal groups
- MA-ARI-OPS-03Division as sharing and groupingMaths · Primary 3 to Primary 4 (Level 3–4) · Planned Needs Multiplication as equal groups (required).
- MA-ARI-OPS-04Multiplying and dividing togetherMaths · Primary 3 to Primary 4 (Level 3–4) · Planned Needs Division as sharing and grouping (required).
- MA-ARI-ORD-01Order of operationsMaths · Primary 5 to Primary 6 (Level 5–6) · Planned Needs Multiplying and dividing together (required).
- MA-ALG-EXP-01Letters for numbersMaths · Primary 6 to JSS 1 (Level 6–7) · Planned · the destination Needs Order of operations (required).
Help light the room where this is learned.
Every route on this map starts in a classroom with 24 stations, a tutor that works offline and a facilitator upstairs. Four are planned and waiting for light.