Teaching Absolute Value Equations: Algebra Lesson Plan

Ginean Royal
Categories : Lesson plans for high school math, grades 9 12
Tags : High school lesson plans & tips

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Prior Knowledge: Students should have learned how to write equations, translate sentences into equations and equations into sentences, solve one-step equations using addition and subtraction, solve simple equations using multiplication or division, solve multi-step equations and solve equations with variables on both sides of the equation. Finally students will learn how to solve equations involving absolute value.

Common Core State Standards

A.REI.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.

A.REI.3: Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, including equations with coefficients represented by letters.

Mathematical Practice(s):

3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

7 Look for and make use of structure.

Learning Target(s)

I can apply order of operations and inverse operations to solve equations
I can construct an argument to justify my solution process

Essential Question(s)

1.What is the difference in solving a regular equation and an equation with variables on both sides?

2. Do you treat absolute value equations any differently than regular equations?

Vocabulary: inverse operation, isolate, variable, constant, reciprocal, coefficient, absolute value bars, absolute value

LESSON

Notes:

Instruct that minus and negative are equivalent
GOAL: to isolate the specified variable
Instruct that what is done on one side of the equation (= sign), must be done on the other side of the = sign.

Watch the video on absolute value equations on Khan Academy.

Go to www.khanacademy.org
Scroll down and click on Algebra (2nd tab under Math)
At the top, type in the search bar: absolute value equations
This will bring you to the video lesson. The length is 10:41.
After watching the video, click on the green button above the video that says: Practice this concept
This will give you 8 problems to solve. There is a hint button for the students if they need it. If they students need more practice problems, Khan Academy will give them more of the same type of problems.

_* Reminder for students: that –x is the same as -1x & x is the same as 1x.
_

Guided Practice: Khan Academy offers practice problems. Do this together as a class.

Independent Practice: Approximately 5-15 problems to be done alone. These problems can be pulled from any textbook or other resource.

Closure/Review: Quick class discussion on what was learned today. You can ask leading questions but let the students come up with what they learned today.

Exit Ticket: This is to be done the last 3-5 minutes of class and given to you (by hand or in a designated area of your room) as they leave class. Possible question(s):

Give them one more problem from Khan Academy for them to solve on paper.

This post is part of the series: Beginner Algebra

Make algebra easier for your students with these introductory lesson plans.