Math lesson plan · 7th grade (Year 8 in England) · 45 minutes
Solve equations of the form p(x + q) = r
Algebra
CCSS 7.EE.B.4.AEngland: KS3 AlgebraEngland: GCSE Foundation Algebra
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Solve equations of the form p(x + q) = r.
- 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: Solve two-step equations with negative numbers; Expand brackets (distributive property)
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 · 5 min
- Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Solve two-step equations with negative numbers; Expand brackets (distributive property)). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Solve: 7x + 9 = 2 → x = -1Prompt: First undo the addition: subtract 9 on both sides.
- Expand: 4(x + 3) → 4x+12Prompt: Multiply every term inside the bracket by the number outside.
- Solve: 19 − 4x = −5 → x = 6Prompt: Subtract 19 from both sides.
Hook · 5 min
- Show a "think of a number" puzzle and ask the class to work out the starting number.
- Share the objective: Solve equations of the form p(x + q) = r. Read the success criteria together.
I do: model it · 10 min
- Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
- Example: Solve: 2(x + 9) = 36
- Step 1: x + 9 = 36 ÷ 2 = 18
- Step 2: x = 9
- Answer: x = 9
- Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.
We do: guided practice · 10 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: 4(x + 4) = 16 → x = 0Prompt: Divide both sides by 4 first.
- Solve: −3(x − 2) = −6 → x = 4Prompt: Divide both sides by −3.
You do: independent practice · 10 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 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.
Exit ticket · 5 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- Solve: 8(x − 1) = −88 → x = -10Prompt: Divide both sides by 8 first.
- Solve: −4(x − 3) = −28 → x = 10Prompt: Divide both sides by −4.
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: Solve two-step equations with negative numbers.
- 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-7.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder