Math lesson plan · 9th grade (Year 10 in England) · 30 minutes
Solve quadratics by taking square roots
Algebra
CCSS HSA.REI.B.4.BEngland: GCSE Foundation Algebra
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Solve quadratics by taking square roots.
- 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: Square roots and cube roots; Two-step equations
Leads to: Choose an efficient method to solve a quadratic; Solve quadratics by completing the square (exact answers)
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 (Square roots and cube roots; Two-step equations). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- What is √196? → 14Prompt: Which number multiplied by itself gives this?
- √123 lies between which two whole numbers? (12 and 13 / 10 and 11 / 9 and 10 / 11 and 12) → 11 and 12Prompt: List the square numbers near it.
- What is √16? → 4Prompt: Which number multiplied by itself gives this?
Hook · 3 min
- Show a "think of a number" puzzle and ask the class to work out the starting number.
- Share the objective: Solve quadratics by taking square roots. 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: 2x² − 17 = 15. Give both solutions, separated by a comma.
- Step 1: x² = 16
- Step 2: x = ±4
- Answer: x = -4 or x = 4
- 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.
- Solve: x² − 3 = 33. Give both solutions, separated by a comma. → x = -6 or x = 6Prompt: Get x² on its own first.
- Solve: (x − 5)² = 4. Give both solutions, separated by a comma. → x = 3 or x = 7Prompt: Square root both sides: don't forget ±.
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.
- Solve: 2x² + 16 = 18. Give both solutions, separated by a comma. → x = -1 or x = 1Prompt: Get x² on its own first.
- Solve (x + 3)² = 6, giving exact answers. (x = −3 ± √6 / x = ±√15 / x = 3 ± √6 / x = −3 ± 6) → x = −3 ± √6Prompt: Exact means leave the square root in the answer.
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: Square roots and cube roots.
- 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
- Move on to: Choose an efficient method to solve a quadratic; Solve quadratics by completing the square (exact answers).
- 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