Principles of Equations (1/4)

Overview

Link to Experience: https://play.phenomena.app/player/JKzR0iNhKkXjhRACyNAz

Topics: math, algebra, equations, variables

Grades: 8-9

Standards: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.EE.C.7

Duration to complete: 10-15 minutes

Learning outcome: Students will understand what an equality is and how they can manipulate them using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

In the Classroom

Pre-Experience (Things to Look Out For):

• What does an equals sign represent? What can always be said about the expressions on either side of one?

• Look at the word “equation”. Why is it called that? What is implied by that name?

• If you add 3 to both sides of an equation, are the two sides still equal?

• Can we apply this logic to subtraction, multiplication, and division?

• What does the word variable mean? Why do we use variables in equations?

• When might it be useful to manipulate both sides of an equation?

• What does it mean to “solve for x”?

Post-Experience (Things to Think About):

• How can you make the sides of an equation greater? How about smaller?

• Can you perform operations on an equation that don't change either side? If so, what operations?

• Do both sides of an equation always look identical? Why or why not?

• Why is it important to always perform operations on both sides of an equation?

• When might it be useful to use an equation?