Unlocking Equations: The Addition Property of Equality

Mathematics Grades 6th Grade 4:22 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to solve one-step equations using the addition property of equality! This lesson will teach you how to isolate variables by adding the same value to both sides of an equation.

Video Resource

Solving One-Step Equations | Expressions & Equations | Grade 6

Math is Simple!

Duration: 4:22
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Variable
  • Equation
  • Addition Property of Equality
  • Inverse Operations

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define the addition property of equality.
  • Students will be able to solve one-step equations using the addition property of equality.
  • Students will be able to check their solutions to ensure accuracy.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by introducing the concept of an equation as a balanced scale. Explain that the goal is to keep the equation balanced by performing the same operation on both sides. Introduce the term 'variable' and explain what it represents.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the YouTube video 'Solving One-Step Equations | Expressions & Equations | Grade 6'. Encourage students to take notes on the key steps demonstrated in the video.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through a few example problems on the board, demonstrating the addition property of equality. Emphasize the importance of identifying the operation being performed on the variable and using the inverse operation to isolate the variable. For example: x - 3 = 7. What number is keeping x from being by itself? How do we undo subtraction? We add! Add +3 to both sides of the equation to solve.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing one-step equations to solve using the addition property of equality. Encourage students to check their answers.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the main concepts of the lesson. Ask students to summarize the steps involved in solving one-step equations using the addition property of equality.

Interactive Exercises

  • Equation Balance
    Use a virtual balance scale to represent equations. Students can add or subtract values from both sides to maintain balance and solve the equation.

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean for an equation to be balanced?
  • Why is it important to perform the same operation on both sides of an equation?
  • How does the addition property of equality help us solve equations?

Skills Developed

  • Problem-solving
  • Algebraic thinking
  • Attention to detail

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the main goal when solving an equation?

Correct Answer: To find the value of the variable

Question 2:

What does the addition property of equality state?

Correct Answer: You must add the same number to both sides of an equation.

Question 3:

To solve the equation 'x - 5 = 10', what should you add to both sides?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

What is a variable in an equation?

Correct Answer: A symbol representing an unknown number.

Question 5:

After solving an equation, what should you always do?

Correct Answer: Check your work.

Question 6:

What is the inverse operation of subtraction?

Correct Answer: Addition

Question 7:

Solve for x: x - 8 = 20

Correct Answer: x = 28

Question 8:

Solve for y: y - 15 = 3

Correct Answer: y = 18

Question 9:

Solve for a: a - 2 = 7

Correct Answer: a = 9

Question 10:

Which of the following equations demonstrates the addition property of equality?

Correct Answer: x - 4 + 4 = 10 + 4

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The addition property of equality states that you must add the same number to _______ sides of an equation.

Correct Answer: both

Question 2:

A _________ is a symbol, usually a letter, that represents an unknown number.

Correct Answer: variable

Question 3:

To solve x - 7 = 12, you would ______ 7 to both sides.

Correct Answer: add

Question 4:

An _________ is a mathematical statement that shows two expressions are equal.

Correct Answer: equation

Question 5:

When solving an equation, the goal is to _______ the variable.

Correct Answer: isolate

Question 6:

The opposite operation of subtraction is called ________.

Correct Answer: addition

Question 7:

In the equation x - 9 = 1, x = _______.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 8:

In the equation a - 3 = 21, a = _______.

Correct Answer: 24

Question 9:

When solving for x in the equation x - 6 = 3, the first step is to _______ 6 to both sides of the equation.

Correct Answer: add

Question 10:

When using the addition property of equality, you are trying to _______ the variable.

Correct Answer: isolate

Educational Standards

6.A.3.2:Use number sense and properties of operations and equality to model and solve mathematical problems involving equations in the form x + p = q and px = q, where p and q are nonnegative rational numbers. Graph the solution on a number line, interpret the solution in the original context, and assess the reasonableness of the solution. 6.A.3.1:Model mathematical situations using expressions, equations and inequalities involving variables and rational numbers.

Teaching Materials

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