Thursday, June 3, 2021

Big Picture Equation Solving

 Do you have students who get lost while solving a multi-step equations?


Does it appear that they are randomly writing work without understanding what to do when or why?

A different perspective is needed when this happens.  And ... it can be simple!


In the midst of solving a multi-step equation, students can lose track of the goal - to solve for the variable.


What I call "outlining the equation" is one technique I use in this situation.  It doesn't help all kids, but it does help a number of them.  It is a visual that keeps the end goal in sight.  Students begin by making an outline as shown, using DCV.  

Distribute - Combine Like Terms - Get all Variable Terms on One Side


After completing DCV, it looks like this:  


Success!