Year 7 curriculum
Linear equations and the Cartesian plane

Given coordinates, plot points on the Cartesian plane, and find coordinates for a given
point

Solve two step, whole number linear equation

Solve one step, negative or fractional linear equation

Investigate, interpret and analyse graphs from authentic data
Assumed knowledge:
Number line and directed numbers
Inverse operations
Basic knowledge on algebra
Common misconceptions:
Interpreting an ordered number pair as (y, x) or without a consistent order.
Solving equation only by inspection and making arbitrary arrangements when it
becomes too hard to solve in this way.
Common misconceptions as shown in algebra as well.
Key terminology:
Coordinate
Cartesian plane
Backtracking
Verifying
In/dependent variable
Horizontal/vertical axis
Key understanding:
An in-depth understanding of the order of operations (i.e. BOMDAS)
Key skills:
Use a ruler consistently to sketch the graph and then label it.
Follow the format of ordered pairs, especially the consistent order itself (always xcoordinate followed by y-coordinate).
Solve simple linear equation by inspection if possible and practicable (i.e. when no
working out is required).
Solve simple linear equation by balancing (i.e. performing the same operation on
both sides of the equation) and inverse operations.
Solve simple linear equation by backtracking and inverse operations.
Verify solution by substitution, especially for multiple-choice questions.
Examine a graph consistently, as the first step, for the independent variable on the
horizontal and the dependent variable on the vertical.
Examine a graph to determine if it forms a linear pattern, a non-linear pattern or no
pattern.
Make predictions using the pattern.