Balancing Act: Solving One-Step Equations with Addition & Subtraction

Mathematics Grades 6th Grade 4:00 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to solve one-step equations using the subtraction property of equality. This lesson covers identifying inverse operations to isolate variables and check your answers.

Video Resource

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

Math is Simple!

Duration: 4:00
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Variable
  • Constant
  • Inverse operations (addition and subtraction)
  • Subtraction Property of Equality
  • Checking solutions

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the variable and constant in a one-step equation.
  • Students will be able to solve one-step equations using the subtraction property of equality.
  • Students will be able to check their solutions by substituting the value back into the original equation.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the concepts of variables and constants. Ask students what they remember about solving equations from previous grades. Briefly explain that an equation is like a balanced scale, and our goal is to keep it balanced while finding the value of the variable.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the "Solving One-Step Equations" video from Math is Simple!. Encourage students to take notes on the key steps and examples presented in the video.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through the examples from the video on the board, explaining each step in detail. Emphasize the importance of identifying the constant attached to the variable and using the inverse operation to isolate the variable. Demonstrate how to check the solution by substituting it back into the original equation.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing similar one-step equations to solve independently. Circulate around the room to provide assistance and answer questions.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the main concepts of the lesson and answer any remaining questions. Preview the next lesson, which will cover solving one-step equations using multiplication and division.

Interactive Exercises

  • Equation Balance
    Use a virtual balance scale (online applet) to visually represent solving one-step equations. Students can add or subtract values from both sides of the scale to maintain balance and isolate the variable.
  • Partner Check
    Have students work in pairs to solve equations and check each other's work. Encourage them to explain their reasoning and identify any errors.

Discussion Questions

  • What is a variable?
  • What is a constant?
  • What does it mean to 'solve' an equation?
  • Why is it important to check your answer?
  • Can you give an example of when you might need to solve an equation in real life?

Skills Developed

  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Algebraic reasoning
  • Attention to detail
  • Collaboration

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the first step in solving the equation x + 5 = 12?

Correct Answer: Subtract 5 from both sides

Question 2:

What is the inverse operation of adding 7?

Correct Answer: Subtracting 7

Question 3:

Solve for y: y + 3 = 9

Correct Answer: y = 6

Question 4:

In the equation z + 11 = 20, which number is the constant?

Correct Answer: 11

Question 5:

Which property of equality is used to solve one-step equations with addition and subtraction?

Correct Answer: Subtraction Property of Equality

Question 6:

Solve for a: 15 + a = 25

Correct Answer: a = 10

Question 7:

What does it mean to 'isolate the variable'?

Correct Answer: To get the variable by itself on one side of the equation

Question 8:

Solve for b: b + 0 = 10

Correct Answer: b = 10

Question 9:

Which of these equations represents 'a number plus 8 equals 15'?

Correct Answer: x + 8 = 15

Question 10:

What should you do after solving an equation?

Correct Answer: Check your answer

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A letter that represents a number is called a(n) ________.

Correct Answer: variable

Question 2:

To solve an equation, you need to ________ the variable.

Correct Answer: isolate

Question 3:

The inverse operation of addition is ________.

Correct Answer: subtraction

Question 4:

A ________ is a number that doesn't change in an equation.

Correct Answer: constant

Question 5:

The ________ Property of Equality states that what you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other.

Correct Answer: Subtraction

Question 6:

Solve for x: x + 4 = 7, x = ________

Correct Answer: 3

Question 7:

Solve for m: m + 12 = 20, m = ________

Correct Answer: 8

Question 8:

Before you start solving, read through the entire ________ carefully.

Correct Answer: equation

Question 9:

Solve for q: 1 + q = 11, q = ________

Correct Answer: 10

Question 10:

When checking your answer, substitute the number for the ________ in the original equation.

Correct Answer: variable

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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