Math lesson plan · 7th grade (Year 8 in England) · 45 minutes
Solve two-step equations with a division
Algebra
CCSS 7.EE.B.4.AEngland: KS3 AlgebraEngland: GCSE Foundation Algebra
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Solve two-step equations with a division.
- 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
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). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Solve: −9x − 6 = −42 → x = 4Prompt: First undo the subtraction: add 6 on both sides.
- Solve: 9 − 6x = 33 → x = -4Prompt: Subtract 9 from both sides.
- Luis solved 4x − 14 = 10 and got x = −1. Check by substituting, then give the correct solution. → x = 6Prompt: To undo − 14, do the opposite.
Hook · 5 min
- Show a "think of a number" puzzle and ask the class to work out the starting number.
- Share the objective: Solve two-step equations with a division. 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: x/3 − 2 = −3
- Step 1: x/3 = −1
- Step 2: x = −1 × 3 = −3
- Answer: x = -3
- 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: x/6 + 3 = 12 → x = 54Prompt: Subtract 3 on both sides first.
- Solve: (x − 9) / 2 = 8 → x = 25Prompt: Multiply both sides by 2 first.
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: (x − 7) / 6 = 8 → x = 55Prompt: Multiply both sides by 6 first.
- Luis and friends split a bill equally between 3 people, after using a $6 voucher. Each pays $17. Solve (b − 6) / 3 = 17 to find the bill b before the voucher. → b = 57Prompt: Multiply both sides by 3.
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