Unit II: Solving Equations
Algebra 1
12 Class Meetings – Revised July 2016
Essential Questions
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How can you solve one variable equations using inverse operations?
How can you analyze, model, and solve mathematical situations using algebraic equations?
Enduring Understandings with Unit Goals
EU #1: Properties of real numbers, properties of equality, and inverse operations can be
used to obtain a solution to a linear equation and model real-world situations.
o Utilize inverse operations to solve one- and two-step equations.
EU #2: There is a precise order to solving multi-step equations.
o Apply the five steps to solving multi-step equations to isolate a variable.
EU #3: Variables and operations can be used to represent real-world relationships.
o Solve real-world problems utilizing algebraic equations.
Standards
Common Core State Standards:
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSN.Q.A.2: Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of
descriptive modeling.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.CED.A.1: Create equations and inequalities in one variable and
use them to solve problems.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.CED.A.4: Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest,
using the same reasoning as in solving equations.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.A.1: Explain each step in solving a simple equation as
following from the equality of numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption
that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.A.3: Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable,
including equations with coefficients represented by letters.
Unit II: Solving Equations
Algebra 1
12 Class Meetings
MSMHS 21st Century Learning Expectations
Competency 1: Read and write effectively for a variety of purposes.
Competency 3: Make decisions and solve problems independently and collaboratively.
Competency 5: Contribute to a positive learning environment with respect and responsibility.
Unit Content Overview
1. Identifying a Solution (2-1)
 Determining Whether a Value is a Solution to an Equation
2. Solving One-Step Equations (2-1)
 Using the Addition and Subtraction Properties of Equality
 Using the Multiplication and Division Properties of Equality
 Solving Equations using Reciprocals
 Writing Equations to Solve Word Problems
3. Solving Two-Step Equations (2-2)
 Solving a Two-Step Equation
 Solving Equations With Two Terms in the Numerator
 Writing Equations to Solve Word Problems
4. Solving Multi-Step Equations (2-3)
 Solving Equations that Require Combining Like Terms
 Solving an Equation Using the Distributive Property
 Solving an Equation That Contains Fractions
 Solving an Equation That Contains Decimals
 Writing Equations to Solve Word Problems
5. Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides (2-4)
 Solving an Equation with Variables on Both Sides
 Writing Equations to Solve Word Problems
 Identities and Equations with No Solution
6. Literal Equations and Formulas (2-5)
 Rewriting a Literal Equation
 Rewriting a Literal Equation With Only Variables
 Rewriting a Formula
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Unit II: Solving Equations
Algebra 1
12 Class Meetings
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to…
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Identify if a value is a solution to an equations (2-1)
Solve one-step equations in one variable (2-1)
Use inverse operations to solve two-step equations (2-2)
Translate real world problems into one- and two-step equations (2-2)
Solve multi-step equations in one variable (2-3)
Solve equations with variables on both sides (2-4)
Identify equations that are identities or have no solution (2-4)
Rewrite and use literal equations and formulas (2-5)
Assured Learning Experiences
Differentiated Instruction / Instructional Strategies:
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Daily Warm Up Activities
Power Point Lecture with note-taking
Guided Notes
Flexible grouping
Exit slips
Graphic Organizers
Creating authentic connections for students
Rephrasing and restatement of information and concepts
Accountable Talk Discussion
Independent Problem Solving
Collaborative Problem Solving
Homework
Cell Phone Performance Task (practical application)
o Rubric 3: Problem Solving
Interdisciplinary Connection:
Language Arts- Accountable Talk, Word Problems
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Unit II: Solving Equations
Algebra 1
12 Class Meetings
Assessments
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS:
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Warm ups (SAT prep)
ABCD Cards
Whiteboards
Mid-class check-ins
Exit Slips
Student-led instruction
Homework
Cell Phone Performance Task
o Rubric 3: Problem Solving
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS:
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Quiz on EU #1 and #3
Quiz on EU #2 and #3
Unit Test
Cell Phone Performance Task
Unit Task
Unit Task Name: Cell Phone Performance Task
Description: Students will use information learned during this unit about how inverse operations can be
used to solve linear equations (EU #1), how there is a specific process to solving multistep equations (EU
#2), and linear equations can be used to represent and solve real world situations/problems (EU #3) to
complete a set of tasks specific to cell phone usage. Students will be investigating cell phones and their
features. They will be asked to write and solve a series of problems as well as review and apply the
algebra terms and concepts learned in this unit.
Evaluation: Rubric 3: Problem Solving
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Unit II: Solving Equations
Algebra 1
12 Class Meetings
Unit Resources
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Textbook (Charles, Randall I., Dan Kennedy, and Basia Hall. Algebra 1: Common Core. Boston,
MA: Pearson, 2012)
MSMHS School-wide Rubrics
Internet databases
Laptops
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