Understanding the process for solving linear equations

The  exercise appears under the Algebra I Math Mission. This exercise helps to clarify the general process and creative strategies for solving a linear equation.

Types of Problems
There are three types of problems in this exercise:


 * 1) Describe the steps: This problem provides a linear equation that is to be solved. The student is asked to describe the two-step process using a drag-select manipulative.Utpfsle1.png
 * 2) Find the missing step: This problem provides the process for solving a linear equation but with one step missing. The student is asked to select the missing step from a collection of multiple choice answers.Utpfsle2.png
 * 3) Find the error: This problem provides the work for a solution to a linear equation. The student is asked to find the step where an error occurs in the reasoning.Utpfsle3.png

Strategies
Knowledge of the process for solving general linear equations would assist with accuracy and efficiency on this exercise.
 * 1) The equations are solved in the standard way.
 * 2) If there are parentheses around the sum or difference, multiply or divide first. Otherwise, add or subtract first.

Real-life Applications

 * 1) An ability to find the steps and the instances of error is a skill that is useful in teaching.
 * 2) Linear equations, as the initial stage of polynomials, have many applications in several fields of study.