About this worksheet

This free Year 7 algebraic expressions worksheet is written for the Western Australian curriculum and mapped to SCSA content description WA7MNAA4. It targets one skill so students can practise until it sticks: by the end, students can say “I can use a letter (variable) to represent an unknown number and write algebraic expressions for real situations.”

What’s inside

• Key idea box – a short explanation with worked examples to read before starting.
• A · Fluency (16 questions) – quick practice to build accuracy.
• B · Core (10 questions) – worded problems set in everyday Australian contexts.
• C · Reasoning (4 questions) – explain, justify and spot the error.
• D · Challenge (4 questions) – harder multi-step and problem-solving questions for students ready to stretch.
• Separate marking key – every answer with working, plus mark allocations and marking criteria for reasoning questions.

Skills covered

• Using a variable to represent an unknown number
• Writing expressions from words and real contexts
• Following algebra conventions (3g, ab, a/4)

How to use this worksheet

Start with the Key idea box, then complete Section A without a calculator. Most students should attempt Sections B and C; Section D suits students aiming for the top of the class or preparing for accelerated or extension maths. The worksheet is marked out of 58, and the score box on the last page helps students see which section needs more practice.

Common mistakes to watch for

• Writing ‘4 less than x’ as 4 − x
• Reading 3a as thirty-something
• Confusing a² with 2a
• Writing the variable before the number (g3)

Where this fits in the WA Year 7 sequence

Writing Algebraic Expressions sits in the Algebraic techniques sub-strand of Number and algebra. It is one of a set of short, single-skill EduLift worksheets that split each Year 7 content description into sub-skills. Use the previous and next links to work through the sequence in order.

Common errors we see in tutoring

• Writing ‘4 less than x’ as 4 − x
• Reading 3a as thirty-something
• Confusing a² with 2a
• Writing the variable before the number (g3)