GED Math: Equations with Variables-Using CK-12 Online Resources

Open a discussion of equations with the question, What do you think of when you hear the word, 'algebra'?

Have learners talk in pairs or small groups then share their thoughts with the class.

Have students discuss the different parts in the expression 3x + 5 Discuss the vocabulary:

Variable: A letter that stands for a number (like x or y)

Constant: A number that doesn’t change (like 5)

Coefficient: A number next to a letter (like the 3 in 3x)

Like terms: Parts of the expression that can be added together (like 2x and 5x)

In pairs, learners do the following problems. Tips for working in pairs:One person reads the problem out loud.The other person tries solving it.Then switch roles for the next one.

Identify Parts of the Expression
For each expression, name the: Variable, Constant, Coefficient

4x + 7

9y – 2

5a + 3b + 12

2x – 6 + x

Open CK-12 (you can tour the site with the students, showing the Adult Education section under Subjects.  Select the High School Equivalency courses.-you may need to scroll down in the Adult Education choices)

Open the course, Algebra Basics for High School Equivalency   Show the navigation between chapters and opening lessons with the small arrow in front of the lesson. Open 5.1 Write Equations with Variables.

Note the vocabulary list but also the bolded green words that give a definition when you hover over them. With the group go over the interactive activities. Go over the example story problems with pairs trying to figure out the answer.

CK-12 has a highlight and notetaking feature. Highlight a sections of text. Then go to the tool icon in the top right. Under notes and highlights see that your higlighted section appears in the Notes and Highlights sections. While in the Toolbar point out the Related Content. The same topic can be presented in multiple ways. Show the View Quiz in the bottom right. 

Have student pairs share a computer station or other device to work on problems in the CK-12lesson. Then have them trade problems and explanations answering the problems on the worksheet Algebra Expressions Practice in Documents.

After learners have worked together in pairs, have them gather as a class. The evaluation can be done as a take home quiz (see Document Quiz) or done with each pair taking a problem and presenting it to the class.

Ask learners to bring in a real-world situation to translate into an algebraic expression for the next class.