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Shodor Interactivate: Solve for X
Details
Activity Description
Project Interactivate is mathematics courseware containing more than 29+ classroom-tested interactive activities and tools. Suggested lesson plans and discussions based on various concepts contained in the activities help support standards-based approaches to mathematics education.
Students can also use the site to learn fractions, do comparisons, create Venn Diagrams and practice other mathematics concepts. Great for the visual learner.
This activity allows students to practice solving algebraic equations using the additive inverse and multiplicative inverse properties. As the user solves the problem, the activity tracks each step, noting the property that was used and the number of steps used to solve the equation. There are three different levels of difficulty.
Preparation
- Make sure that the site is not blocked at your school and that the activity (see Example Web Site link, above) can be viewed. Note: Interactive activities on this site need a Java enabled browser.
- Review the online activity. Use the Help tab to see how the controls and output operate.
- Prepare a homework assignment with additional practice problems.
- If possible, provide students an easy way to get to the Web site by creating a Word document with an active hyperlink, posting the link on your class Web site or bookmarking the site on class computers.
Teacher Tips
- Placing a link to the lesson on your class Web site or wiki, if you have one, will help get the students to the site with a minimum of difficulty and will expedite the process.
- You will find the worksheets and quizzes using the Learner tab and under Related Resources for the chosen activity.
More Ways
- There are many other math and some science interactives at this site. Use the Jump to:, Browse:, and Search functions at the top of the page to explore them.
Program Areas
- ASE: High School Equivalency Preparation
Lesson Plan
Activate prior knowledge about linear equations and explore different methods to solve them.
1. Begin with a brief discussion of linear equations. Write a simple linear equation on the board (e.g., 2x + 3 = 7).
2. Ask students to brainstorm how they might solve the equation. Please encourage them to share their methods and reasoning.
3. Introduce the concepts of additive inverse and multiplicative inverse properties.
Introduce the lesson on solving linear equations and given a linear equation, ask students how they would find a solution. Explore different student ideas. Consider graphing the equation. Discuss additive and multiplicative inverse and demonstrate how these properties can help them solve a linear equation.
Familiarize students with the Shodor Interactivate Equation Solver tool and explain how it will be used in the lesson.
1. Present the Shodor Interactivate website (http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/EquationSolver/).
2. Demonstrate how to access the Equation Solver activity.
3. Explain the purpose of the activity and how it tracks each step of solving an equation, noting the properties used and the number of steps.
Teach students the step-by-step process of solving linear equations using the Shodor Interactivate tool.
1. Show a sample equation on the Equation Solver.
2. Solve the equation step-by-step, explaining each property (additive or multiplicative inverse) used.
3. Highlight how the tool tracks progress and the importance of understanding each step.
Provide hands-on practice with solving equations using the Shodor Interactivate tool.
1. Have students access the Equation Solver tool on their computers in pairs.
2. Allow students to solve equations in pairs.
3. Circulate around the room to offer assistance and ensure students are on task.
Assess students' understanding of solving linear equations.
1. Assign a worksheet with additional practice problems for homework, reinforcing the concepts learned.
2. Use the Equation Solver to create similar problems for the worksheet.
3. Collect and review the homework to identify any gaps in understanding.
1. Suggest students revisit the Shodor Interactivate tool at home for additional practice.
2. Provide a link to the tool on the class website or create a Word document with an active hyperlink.
3. Assign the students to complete a set of problems using the tool as a review.
Documents
- Shodor Interactivate Equation Solver.png - Screenshot of Shodor Interactivate Equation Solver
Subjects
- Math
- Algebra
Standards
- Operations and Algebraic Thinking
- 1.OA.2 - Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction.
- 1.OA.3-4 - Understand and apply properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.
- 1.OA.5-6 - Add and subtract with 20.
- 1.OA.7-8 - Work with addition and subtraction.
- 2.OA.1 - Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction.
- 2.OA.2 - Add and subtract with 20.
- 3.OA.1-3 - Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division.
- 3.OA.5-6 - Understand properties of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division.
- 3.OA.7 - Multiply and divide within 100.
- 3.OA.9 - Solve problems involving the four operations, and identify and explain patterns in arithmetic.
- 4.OA.1-3 - Use the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems.
- 4.OA.4 - Gain familiarity with factors and multiples.
- 4.OA.5 - Generate and analyze patterns.
- 5.OA.1-2 - Write and interpret numerical expressions.
- Algebra: Arithmetic with Polynomials and Rational Expressions
- A.APR.1 - Perform arithmetic operations on polynomials.
- A.APR.6 - Rewrite rational expressions.
- Algebra: Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities
- A.REI.1-2 - Understand solving equations as a process of reasoning and explain the reasoning.