Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Mathematics
Previous Lesson: Simplifying Algebraic Expression
Topic: Simplifying Algebraic Expressions (Part 2)
Subject Matter: Basic operation of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of algebraic symbols and terms, Collection of like terms, Worked Examples

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify and combine like terms correctly in algebraic expressions.
(b) Simplify algebraic expressions using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Affective Domain:
(a) Develop interest and confidence in solving algebraic problems.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Perform basic operations on algebraic terms correctly on the board or in their notebooks.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in pairs or groups to simplify given 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
Math is Fun – “Simplify Algebra” (https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/simplify.html)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Algebra charts showing examples of like and unlike terms
Flashcards with algebraic problems
Whiteboard and markers
Simplification exercises on cardboard sheets
Visual aids showing step-by-step simplification

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables pupils to master how to simplify algebraic expressions using basic mathematical operations, which is essential for solving more complex algebraic equations later.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have already been introduced to the concept of algebraic expressions and can identify variables, constants, and coefficients from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Simplifying Algebraic Expression

Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Terms

Algebraic expressions can be simplified by combining like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variables raised to the same power.
Unlike terms have different variables or powers and cannot be combined.

The following are rules for addition and subtraction of algebraic terms:

Only like terms can be added or subtracted.
Coefficients of like terms are added or subtracted, while the variables remain unchanged.

Examples include:

( 3x + 5x = 8x )
( 7a – 3a = 4a )
( 4m + 3n – 2m = (4m – 2m) + 3n = 2m + 3n )

Multiplication of Algebraic Terms

To multiply algebraic terms, multiply the numerical coefficients together and then multiply the variables according to the law of indices.

The following are steps for multiplication of algebraic terms:

Multiply the numbers (coefficients).
Multiply the letters (variables) by adding their powers when they are the same.

Examples include:

( 3x times 2x = 6x^2 )
( 4a times 5b = 20ab )
( 2x^2 times 3x = 6x^3 )

Division of Algebraic Terms

When dividing algebraic terms, divide the coefficients and subtract the powers of the variables when the base is the same.

The following are steps for division of algebraic terms:

Divide the numerical coefficients.
Subtract the powers of the variables that have the same base.

Examples include:

( frac{6x^3}{2x} = 3x^{3-1} = 3x^2 )
( frac{12a^2b}{3a} = 4ab )
( frac{9x^4y}{3x^2} = 3x^{2}y )

Collection of Like Terms

Collecting like terms means grouping similar algebraic terms together to simplify an expression.

The following are steps to collect like terms:

Identify and group terms with the same variable(s) and power(s).
Add or subtract their coefficients.

Examples include:

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

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Lecture, Discussion, Explanation, Guided Discovery, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Group Work

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 on algebraic expressions and asks pupils to identify examples of algebraic terms written on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming examples and recalling past lessons.
Learning Point: Pupils recall the basic concept of algebraic expressions.

Step 2: Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Terms

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates how to add and subtract like terms using worked examples on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow and solve similar examples in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to combine like terms correctly.

Step 3: Multiplication and Division of Algebraic Terms

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates multiplication and division of algebraic terms using examples from the board summary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate by attempting similar examples.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to multiply and divide algebraic terms properly.

Step 4: Collection of Like Terms

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Discovery
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils through examples to group and simplify expressions by collecting like terms.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in pairs to simplify given expressions.
Learning Point: Pupils can collect and simplify expressions involving like terms.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes or dictates the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes neatly into their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written record of the main points taught.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

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

What are like terms?
Simplify ( 3x + 5x – 2x ).
Simplify ( 2a times 3a ).
Simplify ( frac{8x^3}{4x} ).
Simplify ( 2x + 4y – x + y ).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and in written form.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of simplification of algebraic expressions.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson, reinforces key ideas, and gives homework on algebraic simplification.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask final questions.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate learning and can apply concepts independently.

Home Task: Solve three new exercises on Simplifying Algebraic Expressions (Part 2). Show each step and check each answer.

Lesson Keywords

Algebraic Expression – a mathematical statement containing numbers, letters, and operations
Like Terms – terms with the same variables and powers
Coefficient – the numerical part of an algebraic term
Simplify – to make an expression shorter or easier to understand
Variable – a letter representing an unknown value

Differentiation

Teacher gives extra guidance and step-by-step explanation to slower learners, while faster learners solve more complex problems to extend their understanding.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Use clear examples and emphasize the rules of algebraic operations. Check pupils’ work regularly to correct errors early and encourage active participation.