Mathematics·Algebra·representational
Writing Algebraic Equations
Express missing number problems algebraically using letters for unknowns; translate word problems into equations
Suggested ages 10–11
Learning journey
Your child is beginning to work with algebra — using letters to represent unknown numbers, creating and following rules for number patterns, and translating word problems into mathematical equations.
Evidence of understanding
- Write 'I think of a number, double it, and add 5 to get 17' as 2n + 5 = 17
- Solve a one-step equation such as 3x = 24 and explain the reasoning
- Express a word problem as an algebraic equation and find the unknown value
Assessment prompt
If Writing Algebraic Equations reads "I think of a number, double it, and add 5 to get 17," can they write that as an equation using a letter for the unknown and solve it?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.