A focused Grade 6 learning session for Solving One-Step Equations using visual models, worked examples, strategy guidance, and a short mastery check.
Student goal: I can solve problems involving solving one-step equations.
Solving One-Step Equations means choosing a model, naming what each number means, and explaining the strategy.
Question: A balance scale shows \(x+5\) on one side and \(18\) on the other side, and they balance. Which equation describes this?
Why it works: A balanced scale means both sides are equal. The equation is \(x+5=18\), which solves to \(x=13\).
Answer: \(x+5=18\)
Question: A bar model shows a number split into two equal parts. Each part is \(9\). Which equation and solution is correct?
Answer: \(\frac{x}{2}=9\); \(x=18\)
Question: A balance scale with a block on the left weighing \(x\) grams is balanced against \(2\) blocks on the right each weighing \(8\) grams. Which equation matches?
Answer: \(x=8+8\)
Question: A student wrote this to solve \(x+8=15\): "I added \(8\) to both sides and got \(x=23\)." What is the error?
Why it works: To undo addition, we subtract. Adding gave the wrong answer. Subtracting \(8\) from both sides gives \(x=7\).
Answer: The student should subtract \(8\) instead
Solving One-Step Equations becomes easier when students connect the question to a model, use clear steps, and explain why the answer fits.
Understand the model before choosing the operation.
Use scratch paper. The explanation matters more than simply seeing whether the choice is correct.
Solve for \(x\): \(x+7=15\)
Answer B: \(x=8\)
Subtract \(7\) from both sides: \(x=15-7=8\).
Solve for \(x\): \(x+9=16\)
Answer A: \(x=7\)
Subtract \(9\) from both sides: \(x=16-9=7\).
Solve for \(x\): \(x-5=12\)
Answer C: \(x=17\)
Add \(5\) to both sides: \(x=12+5=17\).
Solve for \(x\): \(x-8=6\)
Answer C: \(x=14\)
Add \(8\) to both sides: \(x=6+8=14\).
Solve for \(x\): \(3x=18\)
Answer A: \(x=6\)
Divide both sides by \(3\): \(x=18\div 3=6\).
Solve for \(x\): \(5x=40\)
Answer A: \(x=8\)
Divide both sides by \(5\): \(x=40\div 5=8\).
Solve for \(x\): \(\frac{x}{4}=6\)
Answer C: \(x=24\)
Multiply both sides by \(4\): \(x=6\times 4=24\).
Solve for \(x\): \(\frac{x}{5}=3\)
Answer D: \(x=15\)
Multiply both sides by \(5\): \(x=3\times 5=15\).
Which equation is equivalent to \(x+6=13\)?
Answer A: \(x=13-6\)
Subtract \(6\) from both sides to isolate \(x\). So \(x=13-6\).
Solve for \(x\): \(2x=14\)
Answer A: \(x=7\)
Divide both sides by \(2\): \(x=14\div 2=7\).
Solve for \(x\): \(\frac{x}{3}=7\)
Answer C: \(x=21\)
Multiply both sides by \(3\): \(x=7\times 3=21\).
