Introduction to Algebra

- Arithmetic Function
Machines
Year 7 Algebra
 PART 1 - Addition and
Subtraction Function Machines
Introduction

Function machines are machines that are given a numerical input and a certain function is
applied to the input to produce the output.

Look at the below function machine. Can you find the output?

7 +43 50
?
Task 1

Find the output with the inputs 2 and -2 for the respective function machines.

What do you notice?

-2 +4 ?2 2 -4 -2
?

The function machine’s inputs and outputs have been

Why are the output numbers integers?
swapped in the other function machine.
John says:

“The reason the function machines’ outputs are whole numbers is because the input and
the function are whole numbers.”

IsLet’s
Johnsee…
correct?

-2 ÷4 ?
-0.5

Because in division
Even though the in function
input machines,
and the thenumber
function’s output are
might be
a decimalintegers,
if the function number
why is the is not
output a factor of the input.
in decimals?
PART 2 - Multiplication and
Division Function Machines
Multiplication Function Machines

Multiplication function machines are basically the same as addition function machines,
except the number is multiplied. The same in division function machines.

3 ×4 ?
12

Like
It’snormal : 3Can
simple… × 4 =you
12,do
soit?
the output is 12.
Division Function Machines

Division function machines are basically the same as multiplication function machines,
except the number is divided.

12 ÷4 ?3

Like
It’snormal : 12
simple… ÷ 4you
Can = 3,do
soit?
the output is 3.
What similarities did you notice between the 2 function machines?
PART 3 - Inverse of Function
Machines
Inverse of Arithmetic Function Machines

Finding the inverse of an equation is basically finding the input of the function machine.

?
64 ÷4 16

The
It’sinverse of Can
simple… division
you is
domultiplication.
it? So we multiply 16 by 4.
Task 2
Find the outputs of the function machines.

256 ÷4 ?
64 50 -18 ?
32

249 +7 ?
256
Task 3
Find the inputs of the function machines.

?2 +2 4 ?
32 -24 8

?
256 ×0.25 64
Have a go at the questions on
your worksheet.
Year 7 - Introduction to Algebra - Arithmetic Function Machines

Worksheet
and Answers
Year 7 Algebra
Year 7 - Introduction to Algebra - Arithmetic Function Machines

1 Complete the following function machines. Which of the following function machines will give a
2 decimal answer?

__ +7 70
1 mark

1212 ÷6 ?
247 -93 __ 2 marks

1 mark

7.6 +3.4 ?
1 mark
__ ÷6 92
2 marks

7.55 -3.5 ?
1 mark
9 ×7 __
2 marks
Year 7 - Introduction to Algebra - Arithmetic Function Machines
Answers

1 Complete the following function machines. Which of the following function machines will give a
2 decimal answer?

63 +7 70

1212 ÷6 ? ❌
247 -93 154

7.6 +3.4 ? ❌
552 ÷6 92

7.55 -3.5 ? ✔
9 ×7 63