The worksheet "Expanding, Simplifying, and Factoring Algebraic Expressions and Word Problems" has multiple problems on each page that ask students to work with algebraic expressions. Questions ask students to factor, expand, and simplify equations. For example, they might be asked to expand 6(s - 2) or simplify 15 + 6s + 2s + 9 - 1s. There are also questions that ask students to find the greatest common factor (GCF) of two numbers and then factor an expression, like 90 + 50z.

Worksheet pages also include word problems. Some word problems involve a person who is coding a program, with students writing what would be printed on the screen if a particular program is run. Others involve writing an expression for how old someone is compared to another or how much money someone has in gift cards.

All expressions include just one letter, even if that letter is repeated in the expression. Operations include addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Similar problems are grouped together so students can tackle concepts separately.

In order to tackle complex algebraic expressions and equations, students have to learn how to expand, simplify, and factor simple expressions. These skills will help students find answers, but they also provide different methods to solve the same problem, allowing them to double-check their work.

Start with simple expressions first, like asking students to factor 3k + 15 or simplify 8m + 13 - 3m. As they get more proficient, they can expand a long expression like 12k + 9(3k + 16) + 15 + 12. Then, they can simplify what they have expanded.

Creating coded programs for students to solve can be a fun and relevant way for students to practice algebraic skills. You could create a program code for them to solve. Once they can solve existing codes, you can ask them to create their own and challenge a classmate to solve it.