Lesson 3
Using Equations to Solve Problems
Lesson Narrative
In the previous two lessons students learned to represent proportional relationships with equations of the form \(y = k x\). In this lesson they continue to write equations, and they begin to see situations where using the equation is a more efficient way of solving problems than other methods they have been using, such as tables and equivalent ratios.
The activities introduce new contexts and, for the first time, do not provide tables; students who still need tables should be given a chance to realize that and create tables for themselves. The activities are intended to motivate the usefulness of representing proportional relationships with equations, while at the same time providing some scaffolding for finding the equations.
As students use the abstract equation \(y = kx\) to reason about quantitative situations, they engage in MP2.
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Generate an equation for a proportional relationship, given a description of the situation but no table.
- Interpret (orally) each part of an equation that represents a proportional relationship in an unfamiliar context.
- Use an equation to solve problems involving a proportional relationship, and explain (orally) the reasoning.
Student Facing
Let’s use equations to solve problems involving proportional relationships.
Required Materials
Learning Targets
Student Facing
- I can find missing information in a proportional relationship using the constant of proportionality.
- I can relate all parts of an equation like $y = kx$ to the situation it represents.
Print Formatted Materials
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| Student Task Statements | docx | |
| Cumulative Practice Problem Set | docx | |
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| Teacher Presentation Materials | docx |