Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Define and identify components of algebraic expressions.
• Multiply algebraic expressions.
• Divide algebraic expressions by monomials.
• Simplify the results of these operations.
• Apply these skills to solve real-life problems.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces learners to the fundamental operations of multiplication and division of algebraic expressions. In our daily lives in Ghana, we often deal with quantities that are not fixed. For example, the price of a bag of gari can change, or the number of people sharing a meal might vary. Algebra gives us a powerful way to represent these changing situations using letters (variables). This lesson will equip learners with the skills to manipulate these expressions, which is a foundational skill for solving real-world problems related to calculating costs, areas, and sharing resources fairly.

Lesson notes

Before we begin, let's remember what an algebraic expression is. It's a mathematical phrase that can contain numbers, variables (letters like `x`, `a`, `p`), and operation signs (+, -, ×, ÷). For example, in the expression `5k`, `5` is the coefficient and `k` is the variable. Part A: Multiplication of Algebraic Expressions

There are two main rules we will learn today.

Rule 1: Multiplying a Monomial by a Monomial A monomial is an algebraic expression with only one term (e.g., `4x`, `7ab`, `p²`).

To multiply two monomials, follow these two simple steps: Multiply the coefficients (the numbers in front of the variables). Multiply the variables. Remember your laws of indices: when you multiply the same variable, you add the powers (e.g., `a × a = a²`, `p² × p = p³`).