Common Core Math: High School Algebra: Seeing Structure in Expressions
A mathematical "expression" is a collection of mathematical symbols such as numbers, variables and operators. In high school, students work with many types of mathematical expressions, from linear equations to geometric series. Students learn how to interpret and manipulate expressions based on their structure, using vocabulary words like "coefficient" and "factor." Students use algebra to rearrange expressions as they gain awareness of which expression structures are useful in different contexts. For example, students may factor a expression to determine its zeros, yet expand the same expression to determine its degree.
Common Core Standards
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Manipulating Polynomials
Rearrange polynomial expressions in multiple ways.
Rewrite algebraic expressions (CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-SSE.A.2):
Factor to find zeros of quadratic expressions (CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-SSE.B.3a):
Rewrite quadratic expressions by completing the square (CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-SSE.B.3b):
Interpreting Expressions
Determine the meaning of each part of an expression.
Identify parts of expressions (CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-SSE.A.1):
Exponential Expressions
Simplify and interpret expressions with a variable in the exponent.