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by Brigid Del Carmen
Topics: Middle School, Math
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Now, demonstrate how you would set up an expression with 2 terms.

Say: “I want to buy 2 books and 3 forks.

First, I set up an expression to represent the cost of both items:

2b + 3f

Next, I calculate the total cost of the items by filling in the price of each item: 2(10.00) + 3(3.50)

20.00 + 11.50

31.50

  1. Continue providing examples, each time adding another item. Once you feel your child has an understanding of the process, it’s time to send him shopping! Give your middle-schooler lists of items and the quantity for each. Ask him to set up expressions and calculate a total for each shopping list. Extend the activity by asking him to predict which list will be the most / least expensive before solving.

Tips:

  1. Review by asking your child what each expression means. For example, 2f + 8s + 3p means: the cost of 2 forks, 8 spoons, and 3 paper clips.

  1. Take your child to the grocery store. Give him a notepad and, as you shop, have him write expressions to represent the cost of what is in the cart. For example, if you are buying 4 cans of tomatoes, the expression is 4t. If each can costs $.80, he should evaluate the expression: 4(.80) = $3.20. Ask him to estimate the total cost of the items in your grocery cart before you check out. Challenge him to come as close to the actual total as possible.