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Math lesson plan · 9th grade (Year 10 in England) · 30 minutes

Solve a linear system by substitution

Algebra

CCSS HSA.REI.C.6England: GCSE Foundation AlgebraEngland: GCSE Higher Algebra

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Solve a linear system by substitution.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Systems of linear equations (simultaneous equations)

Leads to: the next skill in this area.

Materials: Balance scales or a balance drawing, Algebra tiles, Function machine cards, Mini whiteboards and pens, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 4 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Systems of linear equations (simultaneous equations)). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Solve the system: y = 2x + 5 and 2x + 3y = −25. Find x. → x = -5Prompt: Substitute the first equation into the second.
  2. Solve: x + 4y = 11 and 5x − 4y = 31. Find y. → 1Prompt: The y terms have opposite coefficients: add the equations to eliminate y.
  3. Solve the system: y = 2x + 2 and 2x + 3y = 54. Find x. → x = 6Prompt: Substitute the first equation into the second.

Hook · 3 min

  • Show a "think of a number" puzzle and ask the class to work out the starting number.
  • Share the objective: Solve a linear system by substitution. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 7 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Solve the system: y = −3x − 16 4x − 3y = −17 Type the solution like (2, −1).
  • Step 1: 4x − 3(−3x − 16) = −17
  • Step 2: 13x = −65 → x = −5
  • Step 3: y = −1
  • Step 4: (−5, −1)
  • Answer: (−5, −1)
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 6 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Solve the system: y = 2x + 5 −2x + 2y = 10 Type the solution like (2, −1). → (0, 5)Prompt: Replace y in the second equation with the first expression.
  2. Solve the system: x = 3y + 3 4x + 5y = 29 Type the solution like (2, −1). → (6, 1)Prompt: x is already on its own: substitute it into the other equation.

You do: independent practice · 7 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 3 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. To solve y = −4x + 3 and 4x + 4y = 4 by substitution, which is the correct next line? (−4x + 3 + 4y = 4 / 4x + 4(−4x + 3) = 4 / 4x − 4(−4x + 3) = 4 / 4x + 4·−4x + 3 = 4) → 4x + 4(−4x + 3) = 4Prompt: Substitution replaces y with the whole expression it equals.
  2. Solve the system: x = 3y + 13 −x − 5y = 35 Type the solution like (2, −1). → (−5, −6)Prompt: x is already on its own: substitute it into the other equation.

Watch out for

  • Doing an operation to one side of an equation but not the other.
  • Reading 3x as 3 + x, or thinking x always stands for one particular number.

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Systems of linear equations (simultaneous equations).
  • Use concrete materials: balance scales or a balance drawing.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/math/grade-9.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

eurekami

Solve a linear system by substitution

Name

Date

Score/ 6

  1. Question 1

    Solve the system: y = −4x + 10 4x + 2y = 12 Type the solution like (2, −1).

    Answer

  2. Question 2

    To solve y = −3x − 1 and 2x + 2y = −2 by substitution, which is the correct next line?

    • A. 2x + 2(−3x − 1) = −2
    • B. 2x − 2(−3x − 1) = −2
    • C. 2x + 2·−3x − 1 = −2
    • D. −3x − 1 + 2y = −2

  3. Question 3

    Solve the system: x = −y − 6 −x − 2y = 9 Type the solution like (2, −1).

    Answer

  4. Question 4

    Solve the system: y = x − 2 −4x + y = 7 Type the solution like (2, −1).

    Answer

  5. Question 5

    To solve y = −4x − 8 and −2x + 4y = −14 by substitution, which is the correct next line?

    • A. −2x + 4(−4x − 8) = −14
    • B. −4x − 8 + 4y = −14
    • C. −2x − 4(−4x − 8) = −14
    • D. −2x + 4·−4x − 8 = −14

  6. Question 6

    Solve the system: x = −y + 7 −x − 2y = −9 Type the solution like (2, −1).

    Answer

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Answer key: Solve a linear system by substitution

  1. 1. (2, 2)

  2. 2. A. 2x + 2(−3x − 1) = −2

  3. 3. (−3, −3)

  4. 4. (−3, −5)

  5. 5. A. −2x + 4(−4x − 8) = −14

  6. 6. (5, 2)