November 2005

Solving 2 step and multi-step equations.  Some are understanding quite well, while a few are still struggling with the concept.  To help those that having problems, I showed solving equations with the algebra tiles and gave the students a worksheet with 8 problems on it and told them to use the algebra tiles to solve the problems. Then they were to create 8 more problems also using the algebra tiles. Students who understood solving equations to begin with did not like using the algebra tiles, while those who were struggling liked the visual and hands on approach. Students were paired so they could make more complex problems. The kits are too small to do larger problems, but I will definitely use this again, but maybe earlier in the year.

Worksheet problems included:
1) 3y + 6y – 7 = 11                                       5) 2x + 4 = 16
2) 3b – 15 = 6                                             6) 5x – 1 = 9
3) 2p – 3 = 15                                             7) 2x – 6 = 2
4) 3x – 2 = 7                                              8) 7x – 3 = 11