Let’s Go Shopping Part 1

Let’s Go Shopping Part 1 is a Grade 6 algebra activity that connects variables and expressions to a simple shopping setup. Classroom objects are assigned prices and variable names, then students write expressions such as 3g or 2g + 4b to represent different purchases and substitute the item prices to evaluate the total cost. The money context gives variables an immediate meaning.

Use it as a whole-class introduction or review when students are learning to write and evaluate expressions with variables. Students can explain what each coefficient represents and how the expression changes when the quantity changes. Create a free Find a Math Game account to generate lesson support for Let’s Go Shopping Part 1. No credit card is needed, with 3 lifetime lesson generations.