Lesson Plan
Subject: Pre­Algebra­­ The Distributive Property
Grade Level: 9th Grade
Length: 20 minute session
Common Core Standards:
CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.A.3
Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:
1. Use the distributive property to write equivalent numerical expressions.
2. Use the distributive property to write equivalent algebraic expressions.
Anticipatory Set:
Students should know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide positive and negative integers.
Instructional Strategies:
Students are given a “Go sheet”(Attachment #1), personal whiteboard, marker and eraser upon entrance to class.
Flash Math (1­2 min)
● Instructor calls out a numerical exercise involving addition, subtraction, multiplication or division of integers.
Students have 10 seconds to write answers on white board. Instructor calls “Time!” and students are to flash
their answers to the instructor. Discussion of answers will be done as necessary.
Share Objectives/ Agenda for today..
1. Introduce distributive property through a word problem
2.Illustrate distributive property using models
3. Distributive Property numerically and algebraically
4. Do practice problems as time permits
Guided Lecture (5­6 min):
● Distribute word problem (see Attachment #1)
● Give students 1 min to come up with a problem solving plan individually. Ask students to share their work with
a partner. Circle the room and ask some students to put their work on the board for others to see.
● Emphasize:
○ There are multiple ways to solve the problem
○ Distributive property relies on the fact that there is a common factor being multiplied, the 4 (representing
the 4 people)
○ Can be shown using a model.
● Give formal definition of distributive property
○ Distributive property states that the product
of a number and a sum is equal to the sum of the
individual products of addends and the number.
That is: a(b + c) = ab + ac
Guided Practice (2­4 min) : Distributive property in numerical expressions
● Pass out worksheet (see Attachment #2). Lead students through a few examples, encouraging them to draw
models. Emphasize that multiplying by a negative changings the sign, or color of the tile. See example below.
Guided Lecture/Practice (2 min): Distributive Property with Algebraic Expressions
● Emphasize that the same rules of multiplication hold for algebraic expressions, just as numeric expressions. Lead
students through a few examples. (See Attachment #3)
Exit Ticket (2 min)
● Students have last few minutes to complete exit ticket. (See Attachment #3).
Key Vocabulary & Academic Language
Vocabulary: distributive property,
Academic Language: simplify, equivalent
Resources and Materials:
● Individual White Boards
● Markers
● Erasers
Accommodations:
1. “Go Sheets” to help organize notes
2. Students may benefit in small group setting.
Informal Assessment and Formal Assessment:
Formal Assessment:
Exit Ticket
Informal Assessment:
Oral communication with peers through individual work
Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Check Ins
Ms. Anderson wants to take 3 of her friend out to a movie. The price for
each ticket is $5.00. She is feeling generous so she also buys each
person a box of popcorn for $2.00 each.
How much does Ms. Anderson spend on the movie night?
Ms. Anderson wants to take 3 of her friend out to a movie. The price for
each ticket is $5.00. She is feeling generous so she also buys each
person a box of popcorn for $2.00 each.
How much does Ms. Anderson spend on the movie night?
Ms. Anderson wants to take 3 of her friend out to a movie. The price for
each ticket is $5.00. She is feeling generous so she also buys each
person a box of popcorn for $2.00 each.
How much does Ms. Anderson spend on the movie night?
Ms. Anderson wants to take 3 of her friend out to a movie. The price for
each ticket is $5.00. She is feeling generous so she also buys each
person a box of popcorn for $2.00 each.
How much does Ms. Anderson spend on the movie night?
Exit Ticket
How would you describe how to use the distributive property in your own words?
Exit Ticket
How would you describe how to use the distributive property in your own words?
Exit Ticket
How would you describe how to use the distributive property in your own words?
Modeling the Distributive Property
Expression
Model