Math 1 · Lesson 4
Solving Equations
Solving is just undoing. But before you undo anything, do Step 1 every time: rewrite subtraction and division, and write in the invisible 1s. Then undo whatever is added to the letter and its coefficient, keeping both sides balanced.
The big idea
Solving an equation is Lessons 1, 2, and 3 put to work. Step 1 is always translate (Lesson 3): turn subtraction into adding the opposite, division into multiplying by the inverse, and reveal the invisible 1s. Then every line you write is one property (Lesson 2). You add the additive inverse (the opposite) to make the additive identity 0 appear, or you multiply by the multiplicative inverse (the reciprocal) to make the multiplicative identity 1 appear (Lesson 1), and the letter is left standing alone. That is the whole method, and it never changes.
The parts of this lesson
Each part is its own short page. Go in order, or pick the one you need.
Printables
The worksheet has Parts A to E with an answer key: name the coefficient and what is added on, one-step equations, two-step equations, solve and check, and the exit ticket. The lesson plan has the 25-minute timeline, the vocabulary table, the getting-dressed picture for undo order, and the misconceptions to listen for.