Math lesson plan · 12th grade (Year 13 in England) · 45 minutes
Absolute value equations and inequalities
Algebra
CCSS HSA.REI.B.3CCSS HSA.CED.A.1
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Absolute value equations and inequalities.
- 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: Negative numbers and absolute value; Compound inequalities and integer solutions
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 (Negative numbers and absolute value; Compound inequalities and integer solutions). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
Hook · 5 min
- Show a "think of a number" puzzle and ask the class to work out the starting number.
- Share the objective: Absolute value equations and inequalities. 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: |2x + 20| = 8. Give both solutions, separated by a comma.
- Step 1: 2x + 20 = 8 → x = −6
- Step 2: 2x + 20 = −8 → x = −14
- Answer: x = -14 or x = -6
- 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. Give both solutions, separated by a comma. → x = -9 or x = -3Prompt: The inside is either 3 or −3.
- Solve: |x + 2| < 1 (x < −1 / x < −3 or x > −1 / 1 < x < 3 / −3 < x < −1) → −3 < x < −1Prompt: |x − a| < k means x is within k of a.
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 + 1| < 7 (x < 6 / −6 < x < 8 / x < −8 or x > 6 / −8 < x < 6) → −8 < x < 6Prompt: |x − a| < k means x is within k of a.
- Solve: |2x − 2| = 6. Give both solutions, separated by a comma. → x = -2 or x = 4Prompt: The inside is either 6 or −6.
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: Negative numbers and absolute value.
- 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-12.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder