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

1. 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.
2. Review the online activity. Use the Help tab to see how the controls and output operate.
3. Prepare a homework assignment with additional practice problems.
4. 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.

How-To

1. 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.
2. Have students view the activity online and demonstrate how to complete the activity, then have students try it on their own or in pairs.
3. Walk around the room to assist students who may need additional instruction.
4. Encourage students to review the lesson at home, if needed. You can also have the students complete the activity in a computer lab.
5. Assign your worksheet for homework.
6. Review homework on another day and identify gaps in understanding.

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

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.

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