Understanding the differences between equations and expressions is usually a tough transition for students to take one. Equations are math sentences that have a relation that we are tasked to solve. Relations are verbs found within the sentence. These are usually in the form of symbols. The symbols are normally equal to, not equal to, greater than, less than, and greater/less or equal. Expressions on the other hand are phrases or fragments of a sentence. Rather than solving expressions, we simplify them. Expression lack a relation in the phrase. We start off this section with a basic factoring lesson and practice problems. While this may seem a bit off, we assure you that it will lead the students towards the latter half of the sheets. The true meat of this section helps students start to think algebraically.

Students will be given a mathematical statement and asked to create their own expressions. We suggest that before students write the expressions, they complete the operations described in each sentence. They can then check their answers by performing the calculations on their expression. Questions involve converting word problems, distinguishing between expressions and equations, understanding the concept of variables, and more. These worksheets explain how to factor, as well as how to write algebraic expressions and how to tell an expression from an equation. These worksheets will get students thinking critically about math problems.