Want more ideas and freebies?
Get my free resource library with digital & print activities—plus tips over email.
Join for free resources →Get the Lesson Materials
Multi Step Equations Guided Notes & Doodles | Variables On One Side & Both Sides
$4.25
Overview
Ever wondered how to teach multi-step equations with variables on one side and both sides in an engaging way to your eighth-grade students?
In this lesson plan, students will learn about solving multi-step equations with variables on one side and both sides and their real-life applications. They will solve these equations by combining like terms and using the distributive property. Through artistic and interactive guided notes, checks for understanding, a doodle, color by number activity, and a maze worksheet, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of multi-step equations.
The lesson culminates with a real-life example that explores how multi-step equations can be used in practical situations. Students will read and write about real-life uses of multi-step equations, connecting the math concepts to the real world.
With this lesson plan, students will not only develop their problem-solving skills but also engage with the content in a creative and enjoyable way. They will be able to apply their knowledge of multi-step equations to real-life situations, making the math concepts more relevant and meaningful.
Get the Lesson Materials
Multi Step Equations Guided Notes & Doodles | Variables On One Side & Both Sides
$4.25
Learning Objectives
After this lesson, students will be able to:
Solve multi-step equations with variables on one side.
Solve multi-step equations with variables on both sides.
Simplify parts of equations by combining like terms and using the distributive property
Apply the skills learned in solving multi-step equations to real-life math problems.
Prerequisites
Before this lesson, students should be familiar with:
Solving one-step equations
Understanding of basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
Knowledge of what like terms are
Materials
Pencils
Colored pencils or markers
Key Vocabulary
Multi-step equations
Combining like terms
Distributive property
Inverse operations
Coefficients
Procedure
Introduction
As a hook, ask students why solving multi-step equations is important in real life. You can give examples such as budgeting, calculating distances, or determining the number of items needed for a recipe. Refer to the last page of the guided notes for ideas.
Use the first page of the guided notes to introduce solving multi-step equations with variables on one side. Walk through the key points of the topic, including combining like terms, applying the distributive property, and using inverse operations to isolate the variable. Then, move onto the next page of the guided notes to discuss how to solve multi0step equations with variables on both sides.
Based on student responses, reteach concepts that students need extra help with. If your class has a wide range of proficiency levels, you can pull out students for reteaching, and have more advanced students begin work on the practice exercises.
Practice
Have students practice solving multi step equations with variables on one side and both sides using the practice worksheet included in the resource. This guided notes packet includes a color by code activity and a maze activity.
Walk around the classroom to answer any questions that students may have and provide support as needed.
For fast finishers, they can further practice their skills by completing the real-life application activity included in the resource. This activity requires students to read and write about real-life situations that involve solving multi-step equations. You can assign it as homework for the remainder of the class, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a practical context.
Real-Life Application
Bring the class back together, and introduce the concept of real-world applications of multi-step equations. Discuss how solving multi-step equations can be used in various scenarios to solve real-life problems. For example, solving multi-step equations can help determine the amount of time it takes to complete a task, the cost of an item, or the distance traveled.
Use the last page of the guided notes resource titled "real life application" to explore a detailed example of real-world applications of multi-step equations. Encourage students to think critically and creatively about how they can apply their math skills to solve practical problems they may encounter in the future. Students can also fill out the reflection section on the last page of the guided notes resource to assess their learning.
Extensions
Additional Self-Checking Digital Practice
If you’re looking for digital practice for comparing and ordering integers and absolute values, try my Pixel Art activities in Google Sheets. Every answer is automatically checked, and correct answers unlock parts of a mystery picture. It’s incredibly fun, and a powerful tool for differentiation.
Here are some activities to explore:
Additional Print Practice
A fun, no-prep way to practice solving multi-step equations is Doodle Math — they’re a fresh take on color by number or color by code. It includes multiple levels of practice, perfect for a review day or sub plan.
Here is an activity to try:
FAQs
Multi-step equations are algebraic equations that require more than one operation to be performed in order to solve for the variable. They involve combining like terms, applying the distributive property, and using inverse operations.
To solve multi-step equations with variables on one side, follow these steps:
Simplify both sides of the equation by combining like terms or applying the distributive property.
Use inverse operations to isolate the variable term on one side of the equation.
Continue simplifying until the variable is isolated on one side and the solution is found.
To solve multi-step equations with variables on both sides, follow these steps:
Simplify both sides of the equation by combining like terms or applying the distributive property.
Use inverse operations to move all the variable terms to one side and the constant terms to the other side.
Continue simplifying until the variable is isolated on one side and the solution is found.
The distributive property is a mathematical property that states that when you multiply a number by a sum or difference, you can multiply each term inside the parentheses separately. In multi-step equations, the distributive property is used to simplify expressions and combine like terms.
To combine like terms in multi-step equations, follow these steps:
Identify the terms that have the same variable and exponent.
Combine the coefficients of those terms by adding or subtracting them.
Write the simplified expression with the combined like terms.
These guided notes and doodles can be used as a teaching resource in several ways, including:
Using structured guided notes to introduce the topic and teach the steps for solving multi-step equations.
Engaging students by incorporating color-by-code and maze activities in the practice worksheet.
Discussing real-life applications of multi-step equations to provide context and relevance to the topic.
Utilizing the answer key to provide feedback and assess student understanding.
Absolutely! This resource is designed to be versatile and can be used for various purposes, including homework assignments, spiral review, and quiz or test preparation. The practice worksheet and real-life application section provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and practice solving multi-step equations.