Middle Grades Math: Balancing Equations

Objectives

• Students will solve linear equations in one variable graphically and algebraically.
• Students will explore what it means for an equation to be balanced both graphically and algebraically.

Vocabulary

• equation
• variable
• balanced equation
• equivalent equation
• transforming an equation
• simplifying an expression
• addition/subtraction/multiplication/division property of equality

About the Lesson

This lesson involves understanding what it means for an equation to be balanced in the process of solving linear equations with one variable.
As a result, students will:

• Examine the graphs of the two separate expressions from a linear equation with one variable and then noticing their point of intersection as a solution to the original equation.
• Find the solution(s) of a linear equation by transforming it into equivalent equations in simpler forms using the idea of balancing equations and the properties of equality.
• Determine if a linear equation has one, infinitely many, or no solutions by examining the final equivalent equation found.