Exploring Mathematics

This fun solving equations review activity requires students to use higher-level thinking skills to order and then justify each step of an already-solved equation. Included in the file are 8 pre-solved equations (two-step, distributive property, variables on same side, and variables on both side), a form for students to identify the type of equation and justify steps, and a teacher key. Types of equations are color-coded, so teachers can be sure that students are getting at least one of each

This 7-slide powerpoint presentation is designed as for use in an Algebra I classroom as an introduction to solving literal equations (solving for a specific variable when multiple variables appear). Slides 2 and 4 are used as whole-class examples where the new equations are solved side-by-side with more familiar equations that involve only one variable. The teacher can work back-and-forth between the two problems using the familiar to inform what should be done next in the new. This also g

These Equations as Relations Notes help students to truly understand what it means to be a solution of a linear equation by having them explore them both algebraically and graphically. Special emphasis is placed on the idea that 'infinitely many solutions' does not mean the same thing as 'all solutions' that was used when solving equations with one variable. The back of the page teaches students how to calculate solutions when given the domain. I typically have students work in partners to co

I have found that students struggle with writing equations from story problems. To help scaffold this skill, I first have them reverse it by writing story problems to correspond with variables and equations that I give them. Included in the zip file is a 5-slide powerpoint that I use to introduce and practice the topic. It starts with a systems of equations story problem, and we work together as a class to write the corresponding equations. I use this slide to introduce the concept of defi