Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Mathematics
Previous Lesson: Open and Closed Sentences, Use of Letters to Represent Numbers
Topic: Simplifying Algebraic Expression (Part 1)
Subject Matter: Identifying the coefficient of symbols or letters, Distinguishing algebraic expression from non-algebraic expression, Basic simplification examples

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify the coefficients of given algebraic terms.
(b) Distinguish algebraic expressions from non-algebraic expressions.
(c) Simplify simple algebraic expressions by combining like terms.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the importance of accuracy in simplifying algebraic expressions.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Correctly perform basic operations on algebraic expressions on the board.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in pairs or groups to solve algebraic problems.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
Wikipedia – Algebraic expression
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Flash cards showing algebraic and non-algebraic expressions
Whiteboard and marker
Number and letter cards (e.g., 3x, 4, y²)
Chart showing examples of coefficients and terms
Algebra tiles or cut-out models

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils develop foundational algebraic skills by identifying coefficients, recognizing algebraic expressions, and simplifying them accurately for further mathematical work.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have already learned about basic mathematical operations and the use of symbols in arithmetic, which helps them understand how letters can represent numbers in algebra.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Simplifying Algebraic Expression

Distinguishing Algebraic Expressions from Non-Algebraic Expressions

An algebraic expression is a mathematical statement that contains numbers, letters (symbols), and operation signs such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
A non-algebraic expression, on the other hand, contains only numbers and does not include any letter or variable.

The following are examples:

Algebraic expressions: 3x + 2, 4y – 7, 2a + 5b – 3
Non-algebraic expressions: 5 + 7, 20 ÷ 4, 9 – 3

Identifying the Coefficient of Symbols or Letters

In an algebraic term, the coefficient is the numerical value that multiplies the letter (variable).
For example:

In 3x, the coefficient of x is 3.
In –7y, the coefficient of y is –7.
In 5ab, the coefficient of ab is 5.

The following are examples:

In 2x + 3y, the coefficient of x is 2, and the coefficient of y is 3.
In –4m + n, the coefficient of m is –4, and the coefficient of n is 1.

Simplifying Algebraic Expressions by Combining Like Terms

To simplify means to make an expression shorter by adding or subtracting terms that have the same letters and powers. Such terms are called like terms.

The following are examples:

Simplify: 3x + 5x = 8x
Simplify: 2y + 3 – y + 4 = (2y – y) + (3 + 4) = y + 7
Simplify: 4a + 2b – a + 5b = (4a – a) + (2b + 5b) = 3a + 7b

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Lecture, Explanation, Demonstration, Discussion, Question and Answer, Guided Practice

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher recalls the previous lesson and asks pupils if they remember what an algebraic term means. Shows two cards, one with 3x + 2 and another with 5 + 8, asking pupils which one contains letters.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and respond that 3x + 2 has a letter and is algebraic.
Learning Point: Pupils recall the meaning of algebraic terms and get ready to learn more.

Step 2: Distinguishing Algebraic and Non-Algebraic Expressions

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains algebraic and non-algebraic expressions using examples and charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and identify which examples are algebraic.
Learning Point: Pupils can differentiate between algebraic and non-algebraic expressions.

Step 3: Identifying Coefficients

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes examples such as 3x, –4y, and 5ab on the board, showing pupils how to identify the coefficients.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and state the coefficients of given terms.
Learning Point: Pupils can recognize and state coefficients in algebraic expressions.

Step 4: Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows examples on the board (e.g., 3x + 5x, 2y + 3 – y + 4) and guides pupils to combine like terms step by step.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils simplify given examples along with the teacher and in groups.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to simplify algebraic expressions correctly.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher dictates or writes the lesson summary for pupils to copy into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the board summary into their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils have written references for future revision.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is the difference between algebraic and non-algebraic expressions?
What is the coefficient of y in 5y – 2?
Simplify: 4a + 3a – 2b + b.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions orally or on the board.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the topic through correct answers.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes key points, corrects mistakes, and encourages pupils to practice more algebraic simplifications at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions where necessary.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and appreciate the importance of simplifying algebraic expressions.

Home Task: Solve three new exercises on Simplifying Algebraic Expression (Part 1). Show each step and check each answer.

Lesson Keywords

Coefficient – the number multiplying a variable
Variable – a letter that represents an unknown number
Expression – a mathematical statement with numbers and letters
Term – part of an expression separated by a plus or minus sign
Simplify – to make an expression shorter or easier to understand

Differentiation

Teacher assists slower learners with simpler examples and step-by-step explanations, while advanced pupils handle more complex expressions independently.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to use correct mathematical notation and spacing. Reinforce the concept of like terms with visual aids and group exercises for better understanding.