Balancing Equations: Step it Up!
Topics: Middle School, Math
Want to reinforce new middle school math terms (variables, equations), while helping your child solve simple one and two-step equations? The trick is to make it visual. Start with the basics, use colors, and take it one step at a time, and you'll have a math step master on your hands in no time!
What You Need:
- unlined white
- paperblack marker
- multi-colored markers
What You Do:
1) Begin with a simple, one-step equation.
In black marker, write:
n + 2 = 5
Say:
- “You must get n by itself.”
- “What is the opposite of +2?” (-2)
- “What you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other side.”
Show:
n + 2 – 2 = 5 – 2 (Write “- 2 “ on both sides in red.)
n = 3
2) Practice a one-step subtraction equation this way.
Show:
n – 3 = 6
n – 3 + 3 = 6 + 3
n = 9
3) Next, move on to two-step equations.
In black marker, write:
5y – 10 = 5
Say:
- “You must get “y” by itself.”
- “What is the opposite of - 10?” (+10)
- “What you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other side.”
Show:
5y – 10 + 10 = 5 + 10
5y = 15
Say:
- “5y means ‘5 times y’.”
- “What is the opposite of ‘times’?” (divide)
- “To get y by itself, divide both sides by 5.”
Show:
5y = 15 (Write “/ 5” on both sides in green.)
5y / 5 = 15 / 5
y = 3
Tips:
- By using colors, students can easily see and review the steps required to solve one and two-step equations.
- Keep practicing until the process of solving simple equations becomes automatic.
- Equations quickly become more complex, requiring several steps. Be sure your middle-schooler has a concrete understanding of the basics so she is able to move ahead with confidence.
Brigid Del Carmen has a Master's Degree in Special Education with endorsements in Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders/Emotional Impairments. Over the past eight years, she has taught Language Arts, Reading and Math in her middle school special education classroom.
Comments from readers
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-Kayla M.