7.NS.1.d: Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational numbers.

I can add and subtract rational numbers by applying the properties I have learned.

What Your Child Needs to Know

In 7th grade, students delve deeper into the world of rational numbers, which include integers, fractions, and decimals. The ability to add and subtract these numbers is crucial, as it forms the foundation for more advanced topics in mathematics. Understanding and applying the properties of operations—commutative, associative, and distributive—helps students solve problems more efficiently and develop strong numerical intuition. Mastering these skills not only improves mathematical fluency but also enhances problem-solving abilities in real-life scenarios, such as calculating money, measuring ingredients, or analyzing data.

Real World Practice

Visual models and hands-on activities

Hands-on Activities

1. Budget Balancing

Help your child manage a simple budget. Give them a scenario, like planning a party with a fixed budget, and ask them to add and subtract expenses, such as decorations and food.

2. Recipe Adjustments

Cook with your child and adjust recipes for more or fewer people. This involves adding or subtracting fractions, such as 1/2 cup of sugar or 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

3. Shopping Spree

When shopping, ask your child to keep track of the total cost by adding and subtracting prices, applying discounts, and calculating tax.

4. Temperature Changes

Track temperature changes over a week. Record highs and lows, then have your child calculate the daily temperature changes.

5. Sports Statistics

Analyze a favorite sport or team. Have your child calculate the changes in points or scores between games or over a season.

Quick Checks

Strategies and quick activities

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Number Line

Use a number line to visually add and subtract rational numbers, helping to clarify the direction and size of the numbers.

2. Pairing

Pair positive and negative numbers to simplify calculations, such as pairing losses and gains to see the net result.

3. Estimation

Teach your child to estimate results before calculating to develop their sense of number magnitude and accuracy.

4. Real-life Contexts

Apply problems to real-life contexts to make the abstract concepts more tangible and understandable.

5. Visual Representations

Use diagrams or charts to represent problems visually, which can aid in understanding complex calculations.

5-Minute Activities

Activity 1: Flashcard Drills

Create flashcards with different rational numbers for quick addition and subtraction drills.

Activity 2: Math Apps

Utilize educational apps that focus on adding and subtracting rational numbers for 5-minute daily practice sessions.

Activity 3: Math Puzzles

Solve math puzzles that involve rational numbers to sharpen skills in a fun, engaging way.

Activity 4: Quick Quizzes

Administer quick quizzes with 4-5 problems to reinforce daily learning and assess understanding.

Check Progress

Track improvement

Mid-Year Expectations

By the middle of 7th grade, your child should be able to:

  • Students should be able to add and subtract integers accurately.
  • Students should begin to handle more complex problems involving fractions and decimals.

End-of-Year Expectations

By the end of 7th grade, your child should be able to:

  • Students can fluently add and subtract all types of rational numbers.
  • Students can apply properties of operations to simplify calculations and solve real-world problems.

Mastery Signs

Your child has mastered this standard when they can:

  • Correctly applies the commutative, associative, and distributive properties.
  • Efficiently solves addition and subtraction problems involving mixed numbers without a calculator.

Questions to Ask:

Ask your child to solve these problems and explain their process:

  • What is -7 + 3?
  • Calculate the sum of 1/2 and 3/4.
  • If the temperature rises from -5°C to 3°C, what is the increase?
  • Subtract 3.5 from -1.2.