Student Outcomes
Students solve one-step equations by relating an equation to a diagram.
Students check to determine if their solution makes the equation true.
Example 1
Solve 3z = 9 using tape diagrams and algebraically. Then, check your answer.
First, draw two tape diagrams, one to represent each side of the equation.
If had to be split into three groups, how big would each group be?
Demonstrate the value of using tape diagrams.
How can we demonstrate this algebraically?
How does this get us the value of z?
How can we check our answer?
Example 2
Solve y/2 = 4 using tape diagrams and algebraically. Then, check your answer.
First, draw two tape diagrams, one to represent each side of the equation.
If the first tape diagram shows the size of y + 4, how can we draw a tape diagram to represent y?
Draw this tape diagram.
What value does each y + 4 section represent? How do you know?
How can you use a tape diagram to show the value of y?
How can we demonstrate this algebraically?
How does this help us find the value of y?
How can we check our answer?
Exercises
1. Use tape diagrams to solve the following problem: 3m = 21
2. Solve the following problem algebraically: 15 = n/5
3. Calculate the solution of the equation using the method of your choice: 4p = 36
4. Examine the tape diagram below and write an equation it represents. Then, calculate the solution to the equation using the method of your choice.
5. Write a multiplication equation that has a solution of 12. Use tape diagrams to prove that your equation has a solution of 12.
6. Write a division equation that has a solution of 12. Prove that your equation has a solution 12 of using algebraic methods.
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