Equations Uncovered: Solving and Balancing

• Math
• Secondary Education
• Age 12

Equations Uncovered: Solving and Balancing

Learning Objective

Understand the concept of equations and learn to solve basic equations with one variable.

What do you already know about equations?

What is an Equation?

An equation is a mathematical statement that shows that two expressions are equal. It contains an equal sign.

Parts of an Equation

The left side of an equation contains the expression before the equal sign, and the right side contains the expression after the equal sign.

Solving Equations: Addition & Subtraction

To solve equations, use inverse operations to isolate the variable. For example, to solve 3x - 5 = 7, add 5 to both sides.

Solving Equations: Multiplication & Division

When solving equations involving multiplication or division, use the inverse operation to isolate the variable.

Balancing Equations

Balancing equations involves performing the same operation on both sides to keep the equation balanced and equal.

Interactive Exercise

Solve the equation 2x + 4 = 12 as a class. Then, pair up to solve 3y - 7 = 11. Share solutions with the class.

Real-world Application

Discuss how equations are used in real life, such as in calculating costs, solving for time, or determining distances.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.