Unit 6, Lesson 6
Distinguishing between Two Types of Situations
Grade 7
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
The purpose of this lesson is to distinguish between equations of the form and . Corresponding tape diagrams are used as tools in this work, along with situations that these equations can represent. First, students sort equations into categories of their choosing. The main categories to highlight distinguish between the two main types of equations being studied. Then students consider two stories and corresponding diagrams and write equations to represent them. They use these representations to find an unknown value in the story.
- Categorize equations of the forms $px+q=r$ and $p(x+q)=r$, and describe (orally) the categories.
- Interpret a verbal description of a situation (in written language), and write an equation of the form $px+q=r$ or $p(x+q)=r$ to represent it.
Let’s think about equations with and without parentheses and the kinds of situations they describe.
Required Preparation
Print and cut up copies of the blackline master ahead of time. You will need 1 set for every 2 students. If possible, copy each complete set on a different color of paper, so that a stray slip can quickly be put back.