ChalkHour

Year 8 Maths: Solving linear equations lesson pack

A complete, ready-to-teach KS3 lesson on solving linear equations. Below is a real sample of what ChalkHour makes: the full pack adds three levels of worksheet, model answers, a teaching explainer and print-ready PDF and Word files.

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Real sample

Solving Linear Equations Teaching Pack

This lesson covers the fundamentals of solving linear equations using the balance method. Students will progress from simple one-step equations to more complex problems involving brackets and unknowns on both sides, ensuring a solid foundation for algebraic manipulation.

Learning objectives

  • Solve one-step linear equations using inverse operations.
  • Solve two-step linear equations by maintaining balance on both sides.
  • Solve equations involving brackets and variables on both sides.

Lesson plan (60 minutes)

  1. Introduction · 10 min

    Starter: Retrieval practice on inverse operations (e.g., what is the inverse of +7?).

  2. Development · 15 min

    Direct Instruction: Explain the balance method using the provided explainer and worked example.

  3. Guided Practice · 5 min

    Guided Practice: Solve two equations as a class on mini-whiteboards.

  4. Independent Practice · 20 min

    Independent Practice: Students work through Support, Core, or Stretch worksheets.

  5. Plenary · 10 min

    Plenary: Multiple-choice quiz to assess understanding and address misconceptions.

Key vocabulary

Equation
A mathematical statement where two expressions are equal, containing an equals sign (=).
Variable/Unknown
A letter (like x or y) used to represent a number we do not know yet.
Inverse Operation
The opposite operation that 'undoes' another (e.g., subtraction is the inverse of addition).
Constant
A number on its own without a variable (e.g., the 5 in 2x + 5).
Coefficient
The number that multiplies a variable (e.g., the 3 in 3x).

Core worksheet (first questions)

  1. Solve 2x + 3 = 11
  2. Solve 3x - 5 = 34
  3. Solve 5x + 2 = 22
  4. Solve x/2 + 1 = 3.5

Quiz (sample)

  1. 1. Solve x - 4 = 7

    • A. x = 11
    • B. x = 3
    • C. x = 28
    • D. x = 14

  2. 2. Solve 5x = 15

    • A. x = 15
    • B. x = 8
    • C. x = 3
    • D. x = 2

  3. 3. Solve 2x + 3 = 11

    • A. x = 10
    • B. x = 6
    • C. x = 4
    • D. x = 20

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Support and Stretch worksheets, every answer and model answer, the teaching explainer and common misconceptions, editable and ready to print as PDF or Word.

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