Vocabulary

Equation – is made up of two expressions connected by an equal sign.

Expression - a number, a variable, or a combination of numbers and variables and operation symbols.

Variable – a letter that represents an unknown number.

Algebra Tiles - mathematical manipulatives that allow students to better understand ways of algebraic thinking and the concepts of algebra.

Two-Step Equation – an equation with two different operations.

Concepts

Solve equations with fractions, decimals or mixed numbers coefficients and constants.

Rules

1. Solve using the properties of equality.

• Multiplication Property: if x = y, then xz = yz.
• Division Property: if x = y and z ≠ 0, then xz=yz
• Addition Property: if x = y, then x + z = y + z
• Subtraction Property: if x = y, then x – z = y – z.
• Distributive property: a(c +/- d) = ac +/- ad

Example

Determine which of the given values is the solution to the equation.

5(a - 1) = -35

Solution

Check all of the choices to see if they make the equation true.

5(a - 1) = -35

5{(-6) - 1} = -35

5(-7) = -35

Answer: a = -6

Pre-requisite Skills

Order of Operations (6.1.6)