Unit 5, Lesson 15
Solving Equations with Rational Numbers
Grade 7
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
In this lesson, students think about how to solve equations involving rational numbers. Students have previously solved equations of the form and with positive rational numbers. In this lesson, students build on that work by working with equations with negative solutions or with negative values of or . Students use the structure of equations involving negative coefficients and solutions in order to solve problems (MP7). They also reason about situations that can be represented using these types of equations in order to solve problems in context (MP2).
- Explain (orally and in writing) how to solve an equation of the form $x+p=q$ or $px=q$, where $p$, $q$, and $x$ are rational numbers.
- Generalize (orally) the usefulness of additive inverses and multiplicative inverses for solving equations of the form $x+p=q$ or $px=q$.
- Generate an equation of the form $x+p=q$ or $px=q$ to represent a situation involving rational numbers.
Let’s solve equations that include negative values.
Required Preparation
For the digital version of the activity, acquire devices that can run the applet.
Copy each set of cards on a different color of paper so they can easily be sorted for the next class.