Math lesson plan · 9th grade (Year 10 in England) · 45 minutes
Solve a linear system by scaling equations before eliminating
Algebra
CCSS HSA.REI.C.5CCSS HSA.REI.C.6England: GCSE Higher Algebra
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Solve a linear system by scaling equations before eliminating.
- 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 a linear system by adding or subtracting 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 · 5 min
- Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Solve a linear system by adding or subtracting equations). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Solve: 4x + 5y = 11 x − 5y = 9 Type the solution like (2, −1). → (4, −1)Prompt: The y terms are opposites. What happens if you add the equations?
- Which first move eliminates y straight away? 5x + 6y = −3 x − 6y = −1 (Add the equations / Subtract the equations / Multiply one equation first) → Add the equationsPrompt: Look only at the y coefficients.
- Solve: 2x + 2y = −8 2x − 2y = 16 Type the solution like (2, −1). → (2, −6)Prompt: Both equations have the same x term.
Hook · 5 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 scaling equations before eliminating. 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 − 3y = 15 −5x − 6y = 30 Type the solution like (2, −1).
- Step 1: 2x − 6y = 30
- Step 2: 7x = 0 → x = 0
- Step 3: y = −5
- Step 4: (0, −5)
- Answer: (0, −5)
- 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 − 4y = 11 −3x − 12y = 63 Type the solution like (2, −1). → (−5, −4)Prompt: Multiply the first equation by 3 so the y terms match.
- Solve: 3x − 3y = 0 6x − 4y = −4 Type the solution like (2, −1). → (−2, −2)Prompt: Multiply both equations so that the x coefficients match.
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 − 4y = 11 −3x − 8y = 7 Type the solution like (2, −1). → (3, −2)Prompt: Multiply the first equation by 2 so the y terms match.
- Solve: 4x − 6y = −18 6x − 5y = −15 Type the solution like (2, −1). → (0, 3)Prompt: Multiply both equations so that the x coefficients match.
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 a linear system by adding or subtracting 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