Math6-8
Evaluating One-Variable and Exponential Expressions
By Liam
A 7th grade math CFA (common formative assessment) that walks students through evaluating one-variable and exponential expressions using substitution and the Order of Operations. It builds fluency with negative numbers, exponents, and PEMDAS, and includes a worked example that models careful substitution and step-by-step simplification.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a formative check after a lesson on substitution and order of operations, ideally in a 30-45 minute block at the start or end of a class period.
- Discussion question: Why does (-3)^2 give a different result than -3^2, and how does putting the negative in parentheses change the answer?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Have students copy the worked example and annotate each PEMDAS step before attempting the practice problems independently.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to write their own expression with two variables and create a substitution that tests a common negative-number error.
- Estimated time: about 5 minutes to review the worked example and 25-30 minutes for students to complete the assessment.
Math6-8
Evaluating One-Variable and Exponential Expressions
By Liam
A 7th grade math CFA (common formative assessment) that walks students through evaluating one-variable and exponential expressions using substitution and the Order of Operations. It builds fluency with negative numbers, exponents, and PEMDAS, and includes a worked example that models careful substitution and step-by-step simplification.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a formative check after a lesson on substitution and order of operations, ideally in a 30-45 minute block at the start or end of a class period.
- Discussion question: Why does (-3)^2 give a different result than -3^2, and how does putting the negative in parentheses change the answer?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Have students copy the worked example and annotate each PEMDAS step before attempting the practice problems independently.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to write their own expression with two variables and create a substitution that tests a common negative-number error.
- Estimated time: about 5 minutes to review the worked example and 25-30 minutes for students to complete the assessment.