Solving One-Step Equations: Division Edition!

Mathematics Grades 6th Grade 4:38 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to solve one-step equations using the division property of equality with whole numbers. Get ready to divide and conquer!

Video Resource

Solving One-Step Equations with Decimals & Fractions | Expressions & Equations | Grade 6

Math is Simple!

Duration: 4:38
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Variable
  • Coefficient
  • Division Property of Equality
  • Inverse Operations

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the coefficient and variable in a one-step equation.
  • Students will be able to solve one-step equations using the division 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 coefficients. Ask students what they remember about equations and the meaning of 'solving' an equation. Briefly introduce the idea of inverse operations and how they help isolate the variable.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the YouTube video "Solving One-Step Equations with Decimals & Fractions | Expressions & Equations | Grade 6" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bGD00g6m6Q). Instruct students to take notes on the examples presented in the video, focusing on how the division property of equality is applied.
  • Guided Practice (15 mins)
    Work through several example problems on the board, similar to those in the video. Emphasize the importance of dividing both sides of the equation by the coefficient to maintain equality. Include examples like 4x = 20, 7p = 49 and 12y = 60. Clearly demonstrate the division process and how to isolate the variable. Remind students to write out the steps for each problem.
  • Independent Practice (15 mins)
    Provide students with a set of one-step equations to solve independently. Include a variety of problems. Circulate to offer assistance and answer questions. Some example problems are: 6x = 36, 9y = 81, 5z = 35, 8a = 64, 10b = 100.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts covered in the lesson. Ask students to share their solutions and explain their reasoning. Address any remaining questions or misconceptions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Equation Scramble
    Write several one-step equations on the board, but scramble the order of the terms. Students must first unscramble the equation and then solve for the variable. For example: 18 = 3x (correct order: 3x = 18)

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean to solve an equation?
  • Why is it important to perform the same operation on both sides of an equation?
  • How does division help us isolate the variable in these types of equations?

Skills Developed

  • Problem-solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Algebraic Reasoning

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does the 'x' usually represent in an equation?

Correct Answer: A variable, or a number we need to find

Question 2:

In the equation 5x = 25, what is the coefficient?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 3:

To solve 8y = 40, what operation should you perform on both sides?

Correct Answer: Division

Question 4:

What is the value of 'p' in the equation 3p = 21?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 5:

If 9z = 54, then z = ?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 6:

Solving equations involves using ____ operations.

Correct Answer: Inverse

Question 7:

In the equation 10b = 100, what should you divide both sides by?

Correct Answer: 10

Question 8:

What does the division property of equality state?

Correct Answer: Divide both sides by the same number

Question 9:

If 4a = 32, what is the value of 'a'?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 10:

Why do we divide both sides of an equation?

Correct Answer: To keep the equation balanced

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A letter that represents a number is called a ______.

Correct Answer: variable

Question 2:

The number in front of a variable is called the ________.

Correct Answer: coefficient

Question 3:

To solve an equation, we need to _______ the variable.

Correct Answer: isolate

Question 4:

The opposite of multiplication is ________.

Correct Answer: division

Question 5:

In the equation 6x = 42, x equals ______.

Correct Answer: 7

Question 6:

Dividing both sides of an equation by the same number keeps the equation _________.

Correct Answer: balanced

Question 7:

If 7y = 63, then y = ______.

Correct Answer: 9

Question 8:

Using the division property of ________ helps us solve equations.

Correct Answer: equality

Question 9:

In the equation 2p = 14, the value of p is ________.

Correct Answer: 7

Question 10:

To check your answer, you can ________ it back into the original equation.

Correct Answer: substitute

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.

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