Evaluating Expressions with Integers Lesson: Find the Error, Grades 6-8

What is x² when x = -4? The lesson starts with one habit: put each negative value in parentheses when you substitute, so x² becomes (-4)² = 16 and not -4² = -16. Students then evaluate expressions and simple formulas with negative values, using the order of operations and the sign rule for each step. On the practice page, Part C gives three worked solutions with one planted error each, and students circle the first wrong line and fix it.

What's inside

• 18 slides (PowerPoint, editable), with speaker notes on all 18
• Lesson plan, 2 pages, with a 25-minute version
• Scaffolded notes, 1 page
• Practice worksheet, 2 pages, 18 practice items
• Exit ticket, 3 questions
• Unit Check, 1 page, 10 items
• Answer key, 3 pages, with every step shown
• PDF plus editable Word

Answer key included

Integers only.

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